New training rig will help over 400 local workers gain skills for major energy projects
A major investment of nearly half a million pounds will help train hundreds of workers in Teesside as the region moves forward with new energy projects.
The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) has announced £478,000 in funding to support the creation of an immersive training rig for pipefitting, welding, mechanical and project based skills. The funding will help Redcar and Cleveland College and NETA Training prepare over 400 new recruits for careers in the engineering construction industry over the next five years.
Luke Myer MP said:
“This investment is a huge boost for Teesside’s workforce and our ambitions to lead the way in clean energy. By providing high quality training facilities, we can ensure local people have the skills needed to take advantage of the opportunities created by these major projects. We need to make sure that Teesside’s workforce is ready for the jobs of the future. These investments will not only help our people get into well paid, secure jobs but will also support the long term success of our local economy.”
Notes:
- ECITB’s 2024 Workforce Census revealed that 77% of industry employers in the North East are struggling to recruit workers, with pipefitters and welders among the hardest roles to fill. The new training rig will provide essential hands on training to address these shortages.
- ECITB’s Labour Forecasting Tool predicts thousands of additional workers will be needed for major projects in the coming years.