MTC Training to open new North East training centre

Based at Cobalt Park near Newcastle in North Tyneside, MTC Training Tyneside will offer a state-of-the-art space where learners, employers and industry partners can access handson training across vital industrial skills. The centre will act as a local link to MTC Training's expertise in Coventry, helping businesses of all sizes in the North East to keep pace with innovative technologies, improve productivity and unlock longterm growth.

MTC Training is part of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), a research technology organisation that works with academia and industry to accelerate innovative manufacturing processes and technologies.

Made possible through funding from Lloyds, the centre will open this Summer and initially offer a range of upskilling and reskilling programmes. The launch extends the 15-year strategic partnership between Lloyds and MTC from 15 million to over 18.5 million of sponsorship through to the end of 2029. To date, MTC has supported the training of more than 5,000 apprentices, engineers and graduates across MTC's centres in Coventry, Oxfordshire and Liverpool. Following the announcement of MTC Training Tyneside, the partnership now expects to upskill more than 6,500 apprentices, engineers and graduates by the end of 2029.

This follows the announcement from Lloyds last month of 1 billion of new finance for businesses across the North East in 2026, supporting firms in the region of all sizes and across all sectors to invest, scale and compete. This forms part of Lloyds' plan to make over 35 billion of new finance available to companies operating and investing across the UK in 2026.

From September 2026, the centre will start delivering Level 3 and Level 4 apprenticeship programmes, with an initial 48 apprentices joining its first intake. Planned programmes include Mechatronic Maintenance Technician, Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician, Engineering Fitter and Engineering Maintenance Technician, with a Level 4 Automation and Controls Engineering Technician route also proposed, subject to funding.

Local recruitment is already underway for five new roles to support the centre's launch, with a further six to follow. Information on commercial courses will be released from March, with apprenticeship recruitment opening in April.

David Grailey, Managing Director at MTC Training, said: "Manufacturers across the North East are looking for practical ways to stay competitive, attract and retain workers, improve productivity and take advantage of new opportunities now and in the future - all of that starts with having the right skills in place. MTC Training Tyneside gives businesses a clear and accessible way to invest in apprenticeships and training that help their teams grow and support longterm success.

"By developing a pipeline of skilled workers and opening highquality career opportunities for local talent, this centre will play a real part in strengthening the region's economy while directly supporting the Government's Industrial Strategy. It's an important step in closing the skills gap and helping North-East manufacturers compete with confidence in a rapidly evolving industry."

Amanda Murphy, CEO of Lloyds Business and Commercial Banking, added: "The new centre in Tyneside will play an important role in the region's future growth by bringing advanced manufacturing training closer to communities and businesses in the North East. By the end of 2029, 6,500 people will have benefited from the training offered by the four MTC centres sponsored by Lloyds."

Phil Witcherley, Director of Economic Growth and Innovation at the North East Combined Authority, said: "The news that MTC Training is opening a new facility in North East England brings a welcome addition to the training industry at an exciting time for our region's Green Energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.

"We expect to see the number of Green Energy Jobs double to 50,000 in the next decade as we harness the potential of offshore wind and the North East's unique location and ability to service new and existing North Sea sites; alongside this we are investing to support the transition of our world-class automotive sector to an EV future.

"The North East is a manufacturing region and there could not be a better place for MTC Training to be opening a new college to help meet our demand for new skills."