Council welcomes Education Secretary to state-of-the-art training centre
16 Feb 2024
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan saw sparks fly during a visit to one of the county’s flagship training centres.
The Minister was visiting Blyth to see apprenticeship opportunities on offer at some of the area’s green energy centres, and called in to visit the Northumberland Skills Welding and Fabrication Technical Training Centre at the Port of Blyth.
Council Leader Glen Sanderson added: "We were really pleased to show the Education Minister round the centre during her visit and emphasise our commitment to training and apprenticeships here in Northumberland.
“As one of the region’s largest employers, the council is committed to providing high quality career-pathways,
“We’ve had over 400 new recruits starting their careers with NCC as apprentices in the last four years.
"The Northumberland Skills Welding and Fabrication Technical Training Centre in the Port of Blyth supports this ambition, equipping residents of all ages with the skills they need to kickstart their career in advanced manufacturing, engineering, construction, marine and clean energy sectors.”
With 20 welding bays, a dedicated fabrication training area and state-of-the-art equipment including CNC and robotic technology, the centre is primed to boost local skills and the economy.
Funded by a £1.38m investment from the County Council, the courses are delivered by experienced lecturers from Northumberland Skills, the council’s post-16 education provider.
Northumberland Skills delivers a wide range of full and part-time courses, apprenticeship training and employability programmes - all of which are designed to improve prospects, boost confidence and build better futures.
Welding short courses and evening classes for adults are also available along with bespoke packages for employers looking to upskill their workforce and a variety of apprenticeship training programmes.
Cllr Sanderson added: “We invested in this site so that our residents can make the most of the opportunities offered by the exciting developments taking place in Blyth and the green energy sector.
"We have apprentices from across the region attending this state of the art centre and when the Energy Central Learning Hub opens in September we will be able to increase the capacity to train more and contribute to the workforce needs.”
Find out more and apply today by emailing learn@northumberland.gov.uk or visit www.northumberlandskills.co.uk/welding