A £1MILLION investment is set to turn New College in Bromsgrove into a major centre for technology education.

The college's new tool room machinery and computer-based cutting equipment represents the biggest investment in engineering training in the West Midlands for many years.

Thirty large machines were brought to the School Drive college in a fleet of juggernauts on Monday.

"In one fell swoop we have totally transformed the facilities here to make this the most up-to-date training provision anywhere in the region," said John Vardy, programme leader for North East Worcestershire College.

The facility will be used to train young people for a career in engineering and will also be used for courses to improve the skills and knowledge of existing workers.

"Manufacturing and engineering remain the life blood of the economy in the West Midlands and this new workshop is our contribution to maintaining the competitiveness of local engineering companies," added Neil Bromley, college principal.

The move will be welcomed by those concerned at the shortage of young engineers, including the Government, who have backed a number of initiatives in recent years to encourage more people to go into the profession.