NORTH East manufacturers must invest in staff development to ensure that the region remains at the forefront of the sector, according to a leading training provider.
SW Durham Training (SWDT), Aycliffe-based training company delivering courses for manufacturing and engineering firms, said that businesses in the region must ensure that they refresh and expand the skills base of their staff to keep the North East at the cutting edge.
Michael Blades, business development manager, said that the region has carved out a reputation for innovation, but that ongoing investment in staff training and development, teamed with apprenticeships and greater collaboration between business and educational institutions, is the key to the future of the sector.
Mr Blades said: “The North East has earned its reputation as a leading light in the engineering and manufacturing sectors and this is, in no small part, down to the skills and expertise we have in this corner of the country.
“However, what is paramount is that we remain at the cutting edge, and that is only possible with ongoing investment in training and development to ensure that the skills we have here stand up against our counterparts in Europe and beyond.
“The continued investment that manufacturing businesses across the region have seen, means that we are proving that we can and do get it right here, but what is paramount is that businesses don’t become complacent. Ensuring that our people are equipped with the skills and qualifications needed to be as effective and efficient as possible is crucial.”
SWDT, which has been providing training and apprenticeship services to businesses across the region for the past 45 years, and specialises in delivering courses for clients operating in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
Among the businesses currently working with the company for training and development programmes are Tata Global Beverages, 3M and Cummins. The company also works with some of the North East’s biggest manufacturers and engineering firms, supplying apprentices to names like Nifco UK Ltd and Tacle Seating among others.
Mr Blades, who joined the SWDT team at the end of 2012, added: “The positive balance of trade we enjoy here in the North East is really testament to the strength of the region’s manufacturing businesses, and if we’re to continue to lead the way in this field, we absolutely have to commit, in a big way, to growing our skills base.”
For more information about courses at South West Durham Training Ltd, visit www.southwestdurham.co.uk or call 01325 313 194.
