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Staffordshire University, in partnership with engineering firm JCB, is to open a pioneering centre that will give youngsters access to state-of-the-art learning technology.

The university hopes that the centre will provide a national model to help fill the chronic skills shortage in technology-related sectors. It is based in the university's school of engineering and advanced technology (Seat) in Stafford. It has 13 high-spec PCs to operate sophisticated computer-aided design (Cad) and computer-aided manufacturing (Cam) software. The centre also has a small computer-controlled milling machine for precise machining of components. The university's school of engineering and advanced technology is a centre of excellence in Cad-Cam learning.