MTC opens new Tyneside training centre to support 100+ new apprentices a year

(Left to right: Molly and Layla, part of the first cohort of apprentices to be trained at MTC Training Tyneside)

Based at Cobalt Park, MTC Training Tyneside is expected to support more than 40 apprentices in its first year, growing to over 100 annually as its training provision expands. Once fully established, the centre is expected to have around 300 learners enrolled on programmes at any one time.

The opening comes as the government and regional leaders look to drive growth in high-value industries, boost productivity and create skilled jobs across the UK's industrial regions. Delivering that growth will require a workforce with the right skills, at a time when businesses are already struggling to recruit. In the North East, home to 663 active advanced manufacturing firms, around 59% of vacancies are hard to fill and more than 37% are linked to specific skills shortages, according to the North East Evidence Hub.

Drawing on MTC Training's established presence in Coventry, Liverpool and Oxfordshire, the new Tyneside centre will bring its training offer closer to North East businesses. Through apprenticeships and wider opportunities to upskill and reskill existing workforces, the centre will respond to the needs of local industry while helping develop the talent required to support ambitions for future industrial growth.

Commenting on how the new centre will support employers across the North East, 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 centre's initial training offer has been shaped by feedback from North East employers, who identified a shortage of the skills and knowledge needed to work with increasingly complex equipment as manufacturing becomes more automated. In response, Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician and Engineering Fitter apprenticeships are among the first programmes to be delivered.

The programmes will provide a route into engineering and manufacturing careers, with the majority of MTC Training apprentices remaining with their employer after completing their training and progressing into specialised roles such as Engineering Technician, Reliability and Maintenance Technician and Service Engineer.

The first apprentices to train at the new centre, including Molly (23) and Layla (19) - both from the local Tyneside area - will begin their training this autumn, with further cohorts expected from early 2027.

Speaking ahead of starting her apprenticeship, 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."

The Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell, MP for Tynemouth, welcomed the investment in North Tyneside, saying: "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 MTC Training Tyneside has been supported by Lloyds Banking Group. This forms part of a wider strategic partnership, where Lloyds has committed 18.5million to the end of 2029. This has supported more than 5,000 apprentices, graduates and engineers through MTC to date, which is set to increase in line with the new Tyneside opening.

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. 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."

MTC Training Tyneside was officially opened today by Dr Graham Hoare OBE, CEO of MTC, at an event bringing together businesses, partners and stakeholders from across the North East. Guests toured the new facilities, watched practical training demonstrations and met apprentices from MTC Training Tyneside's inaugural class.