LGF update: Apprentices sparking a bright future in North Tyneside

Sparks are flying for all the right reasons at Tyne Metropolitan College’s IGNITE Centre for Engineering and Innovation – which is fast becoming the North East’s destination for the latest engineering skills and qualifications.

The centre was made possible by significant investment from the Local Growth Fund, standing at over £1m to get the project underway.  IGNITE is now leading the way in industry approved engineering qualifications as employers look to boost workforces with the right skills and the right qualifications for the job.

The thriving facility is helping to attract and train welding professionals through practical training solutions, courses and apprenticeships.

North East based company, Responsive Engineering which provides turn-key manufacturing services for the Oil and Gas sector, Defence, Power Generation and Subsea sectors is growing its workforce with TyneMet apprentice supported by Tyne North Training Ltd.

The IGNITE Centre for Engineering and Innovation features cutting-edge engineering technologies, along with along with first class teaching in state-of-the workshops – equipped with the latest industry relevant equipment providing high quality qualifications in Welding, Electrical Engineering, Hydraulics and Machining.

Responsive Engineering welding apprentice, Alex Muir, 18, said: “I decided to go into welding because practical skills are always going to be needed, my grandad was a welder and encouraged me to take the path of a career in engineering.  Choosing an apprenticeship meant that I could start earning money straight after school and get a qualification that will help me get into the engineering industry. IGNITE is a brilliant place to learn, the equipment is all of a very high standard and the teaching is great.”

TyneMet’s expansion of its engineering facilities realises the College’s ongoing commitment to supplying forward thinking learning facilities to boost the local economy, whilst meeting the needs of local employers and learners.