AN independent training provider has received high praise for helping bridge the skills gap in the region.
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen visited the Nordic Engineering Training and Testing Centre, which is helping reduce the critical lack of skilled workers within Tees Valley.
The Stockton-based engineering training and testing facility works with local industry to provide relevant skills-based training and qualifications to help fill the growing number of local jobs within the engineering sector.
“There are a huge number of employment opportunities coming down the pipeline on Teesside and we have a two to three year window to make sure that we attract young local people and re-skill our adult learners to fill those roles,” said Mr Houchen.
“Nordic is a great example of a private provider which can provide quick, bespoke courses as the market demands.
“Our investors are looking for quality skills which means attracting the right workforce. We need to make sure that we can offer them the full package and also ensure that people in the region recognise that they can build a life with good career prospects right here in the Tees Valley.”
Nordic’s training and testing facility offers bespoke courses in engineering, welding, coating, shot blasting and industrial spray painting, alongside working at heights, within confined spaces and health and safety guidelines.
Working with the Tees Valley Combined Authority, Job Centre Plus and the Youth Employment Initiative, the company has recently helped 60 unemployed local people into service standard engineering roles.
Managing director Peter Robinson added: “We know that there is a major skills gap in engineering within the Tees Valley.
“The jobs are out there and more investment is on the way, so it is our objective to ensure we up-skill local people to fill those positions by being reactive to businesses and ensure training is relevant to industry requirements.”