STOKE-ON-TRENT is to become home to a multi-million pound national centre of ceramics excellence to research new technologies and train up the next generation of skilled workers.

Staffordshire University is developing the plans to help pottery firms become more competitive and tap into the huge potential for hiring degree-level apprentices.

The base will also bring together existing art and design courses and support students to launch their own creative businesses.

The project is in its early stages and funding bids will be made to the EU, Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council. But the project will receive a cash boost next month when a Chinese Ming cup belonging to the university is expected to make £2 million at auction.

Vice-chancellor Professor Liz Barnes said: “We were initially talking about £6 million to £8 million for this project, but I think it can become even more ambitious.”

Community leaders today welcomed plans for the ceramics education and research centre, saying it could help transform Stoke-on-Trent’s economy and attract skilled jobs.

Staffordshire University wants to set up the base at its campus in College Road, Stoke, to bring together a range of courses, support for employers and specialist expertise.

It would also be open to the public, who could see interactive displays of some of the university’s stunning art pieces.

Vice-chancellor Liz Barnes, who took up her post this month, has already held informal talks with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Arts Council. The project will tie in with efforts to regenerate the city through a new Ceramic Valley enterprise zone.

“It might involve a new building or re-purposing an existing building. We need a fairly distinct space,” she added.

“It will be used for student and staff research and engaging with employers. We want to look at research to help ceramic companies develop their businesses.”

The university is already planning to have a ‘digital kiln’ which companies can use for 3D printing, computing and design work.

But the new centre will have scope to investigate new materials and advanced manufacturing techniques geared to the ceramics industry.

Professor Barnes is keen to work with firms on developing higher apprenticeships as well, which enable staff to train on the job and work towards foundation or honours degrees.

She added: “We will also be looking at engineering and clean technology.”

City council deputy leader Abi Brown today welcomed the plans.

She added: “Stoke-on-Trent is the world capital of ceramics and it is only appropriate that this centre would be located in the city.”
The university already has a training partnership with Steelite International and nine of the Middleport firm’s staff recently graduated from a foundation degree in leadership and management.

Louise Griffin, group head of HR at Steelite, believes the new centre of excellence could provide ‘great benefits’ for businesses.

She said: “The ceramics industry represents an integral part of Stoke-on-Trent’s DNA and is something which should be valued and invested in. The industry is currently enjoying something of a resurgence – Steelite International itself has posted record sales for 2015.

“In order to remain competitive on the global market, we must continually invest in new skills and new techniques.”

But the university’s plans won’t just focus on how it can help existing companies.

Students will also be encouraged to set up their own creative ventures when they graduate. It could also involve dedicated space for their start-up businesses in ceramics.

Artist Jasmine Simpson graduated from Staffordshire University after studying 3D design and ceramics.

She has now clubbed together with several other graduates to set up a studio at Middleport Pottery.

The 22-year-old, from Fegg Hayes, said: “The new centre sounds like a brilliant idea. A lot of graduates leave to go to greener pastures, like London. It will be great to have something that keeps them here and gives them access to support. I spent a year looking for studio space and found it difficult.”

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