(Image: Supplied)
A new training centre aimed at tackling skills shortages and creating opportunities for future engineers has officially opened in the North East.
Located at Cobalt Park in North Tyneside, the centre is the latest investment from the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and will focus on building a talent pipeline for the region’s engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Plans are in place to support more than 40 apprentices in its first year, with the aim of growing to more than 100 annually as the programme expands.
Once fully operational, the centre could have up to 300 learners enrolled at any one time.
David Grailey, managing director of MTC Training, said: "The North East has a proud industrial heritage and is home to some of the UK’s most important manufacturing industries.
"Maintaining that strength means ensuring businesses have access to the skilled people they need to grow, adopt new technologies and remain competitive.
"MTC Training Tyneside allows us to respond directly to manufacturers in the region, developing skills locally and working with employers as their requirements evolve.
"In doing so, we can help businesses build their future workforce, support growth in the North East and strengthen the UK’s industrial capability."
The launch comes as government and regional leaders focus on boosting growth in high-value industries, increasing productivity, and creating skilled jobs across the UK’s industrial regions.
According to the North East Evidence Hub, around 59 per cent of vacancies in the region’s advanced manufacturing sector are difficult to fill, and more than 37 per cent are linked to specific skills shortages.
The new centre will offer apprenticeships and training programmes to upskill and reskill workforces, helping to meet the needs of local employers and support ambitions for industrial growth.
Its initial training offer has been shaped by feedback from North East businesses, which identified a shortage of skills and knowledge needed to operate increasingly complex and automated equipment.
As a result, the first programmes to launch will include Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician and Engineering Fitter apprenticeships.
Most MTC Training apprentices remain with their employers after completing their programmes, progressing into roles such as engineering technician, reliability and maintenance technician, and service engineer.
The first cohort of apprentices at the Tyneside centre will start this autumn, including 23-year-old Molly and 19-year-old Layla, both from the Tyneside area.
Molly said: "I’ve always enjoyed the practical side of learning and understanding how things work.
"In my previous role at Amazon, I worked alongside engineers to help resolve problems, which gave me an insight into engineering and made me want to explore it as a career for myself.
"Having the opportunity to take that next step here in Tyneside is really important to me.
"Being able to access practical training locally and develop skills for a career in engineering is really exciting.
"I’m looking forward to getting started and seeing where it takes me."
Sir Alan Campbell, MP for Tynemouth, also welcomed the investment.
He said: "I am delighted that MTC has chosen to open its Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre on Cobalt Park.
"MTC brings experience and energy to such an important issue – making sure that people, particularly young people, have the skills they need for the future.
"After all, they are the future of our region.
"I hope this is part of a new chapter in the economic story of the North East, creating opportunities for local people to access good, well-paid jobs and supporting local manufacturers to build the advanced industries of the future.
"I wish MTC every success in its endeavours."
The development of the Tyneside centre has been supported by Lloyds Banking Group, as part of a wider strategic partnership in which Lloyds has committed £18.5 million through to the end of 2029.
This funding has already helped more than 5,000 apprentices, graduates, and engineers through MTC, and that number is expected to rise with the opening of the new centre.
Amanda Murphy, CEO of business and commercial banking at Lloyds, said: "The North East has a proud manufacturing heritage and a major role to play in the UK's future growth.
"Realising that potential depends on businesses having access to the skilled people they need to innovate, expand and compete.
"By investing in technical skills and creating more pathways into engineering and manufacturing careers, we’re helping businesses build the workforce they need for the future, while creating opportunities for people and communities across the region.
"Our long-term partnership with MTC reflects our commitment to backing Britain's manufacturers.
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"Having already supported more than 5,000 apprentices, graduates and engineers through MTC, the opening of Tyneside is an important next step in helping unlock growth across the North East and strengthening the UK's industrial future."
The new centre builds on MTC Training’s established presence in Coventry, Liverpool, and Oxfordshire, bringing its training model closer to employers in the North East.
It aims to equip learners with the skills required for emerging technologies and the evolving demands of modern manufacturing.