UK and Chengdu sign automotive vocational education contract

The partnership will help Central College Nottingham to promote an automotive qualification system in China.

Emtec College, part of Central College Nottingham, and the Chengdu Industrial Vocational Technical College have announced a new contract on a UK-China Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). The partnership has been supported by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the British Council.

The contract was signed between the Presidents of the two colleges on 17 April 2013. The partnership will help Central College Nottingham to promote an automotive qualification system in China and help the local vocational school in Chengdu cultivate more qualified students through advanced curriculum systems, which will ensure premium job opportunities for students after graduation. Additionally, the contract will offer students with IMI qualifications opportunities to study for higher education in the UK.

Meanwhile, 14 local vocational students who successfully completed their studies through the IMI course were awarded with IMI Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF UK) Certificates. This is the first IMI class in China in which students have obtained the QCF certification, which is widely recognised in Europe.

Simon Mellon, the Head of UKTI in Chongqing and senior officials from the Chengdu Educational Administration Office witnessed the signing.

Minister of State for Trade and Investment Lord Green sent a congratulation message:

The UK has a long tradition of expertise in the vocational education sector, so I am delighted that institutions such as Emtec are leading the way in sharing this expertise with partners around the globe. Initiatives of this type are key if we are to continue to strengthen the excellent trading relationships that already exist between our two nations, and I would like to wish Emtec and the Chengdu Industrial Vocational Technical College every success in their new venture.

Head of UKTI in Simon Mellon said in his speech during the ceremony:

The UK is an important global Research and Development centre for powertrain, transmission, new energy vehicle and parts supply. The UK is keen to share its expertise in the motor industry, and be a partner for skills development, with China.

I am very pleased to see the progress in China made by Emtec in securing a win-win result for both UK and China sides. I wish the co-operation between the Central College Nottingham and the Chengdu Industrial Vocational Technology College every success, and hope to see closer and wider collaborations in the areas of education and technology in the future.