Northumberland Skills Welding and Fabrication Technical Training Centre at the Port of Blyth is hosting two free taster days this weekend.  
 

Young people aged 15 and above are invited to come along, with or without their parents and carers, and discover more about careers in the renewable energy and engineering sectors.  
 

The Welding Taster will provide the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art facilities and hear about full-time courses for school leavers starting in September. 
 

The Renewable Engineering Taster offers the chance to learn about the full-time advanced manufacturing engineering course which starts in September at the brand new Energy Central Learning Hub opening right next door.  
 

Funded by a £1.38m investment from the County Council, the centre is 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 equipment including CNC and robotic technology, the centre is primed to boost local skills and the economy.     
 

The courses are delivered by experienced lecturers from Northumberland Skills, the council’s post-16 education provider.   
 

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet member with responsibility for Inspiring Young People, said: “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 hope these taster days will ignite a spark of enthusiasm for young people – giving them an insight into the many opportunities careers in this rapidly expanding sector can bring.” 

 

Richard Waterston, Sector Specialist Training Centre Manager, Northumberland Skills, said: “If becoming an engineer in the renewables sector is something you want to explore when you leave school, or if you've recently left school and you're looking for a new direction, these taster days are a great way to find out more from our team of lecturers. 
 

“As well as taking a tour of our Welding and Fabrication Technical Training Centre, you’ll also be able to find out more about our new campus at Energy Central Learning Hub, where we’ll be training the next generation of power engineers, maintenance experts, and technicians. 
 

“Young people can attend with or without their parents. If parents do want to stay, they can enjoy a free cuppa and ask our experienced team of lecturers about our school leaver courses and future career opportunities.” 
 

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. 
 

Both taster sessions take place on Saturday 16th March 2024, 10am-1pm. 
 

Find out more and register today by emailing learn@northumberland.gov.uk or visit www.northumberlandskills.co.uk/welding