A new training company has been launched in Newton Aycliff aimed to bridge the skills gap.
Go Ahead Training is the brainchild of engineering boss Dave Spensley, who wants to ensure companies within the manufacturing industry have a deep talent pool to access.
The region’s industrial sectors are undergoing a major revival as the drive to ‘re-shore’ continues, however there is a lack of talented young people with the skills and attitudes required by employers to help the North East capitalise on its strengths within manufacturing and engineering.
Dave Spensley said: “I have worked in the manufacturing industry for a number of years and know this region is ideally positioned to capitalise on the opportunities which are available, if there are enough talented people out there for employers to access.
“Go Ahead Training will act as the middle man between schools and colleges and industry, so we can ensure we’re equipping young people with the skills and attitudes needed to work within the sectors.
“One of the main challenges is educating young people that there are real jobs out there for them, and that if they work hard and demonstrate a willingness to work and learn, there will be chances to not only progress but also carve out a career for life.”
Go Ahead Training will initially work with schools and colleges within the County Durham and Teesside areas, and its main programmes of delivery include primary engineers, secondary engineers, the F1 Challenge and VEX IQ Robotics.
Spensley added: “Employers are crying out for talented young people who can come into their business and grow.
“Our manufacturing and engineering sectors do have an ageing workforce so its vital that if they’re to continue to grow they have readymade replacements for those workers who reach retirement age.
“We are confident Go Ahead Training is exactly what the region needs and will become the ‘go to’ organisation for employers who want to attract young people who they can train and invest in as the engineers and manufacturers of the future.”
Go Ahead Training is based at The Workplace in Newton Aycliffe and employs three members of staff, with plans to add to the team over the coming months.
Pictured (above) is the Go Ahead Training team, Dave Spensley, Shaun Stuart and Zane Simane.