Multi-million-pound plans submitted for top class engineering facility

PLANS have been submitted by Middlesbrough College Group (@mbrocollege) for a multi-million-pound engineering facility that could transform Teesside’s net zero aims.

This proposed state-of-the-art facility will act as a replacement and relocation of the current TTE site, home to the technical training provider and hundreds of learners and apprentices. 

If approved, the move will see existing TTE provision of workshop training areas, teaching classrooms and staff facilities relocated to a purpose-built facility at the College’s Middlehaven campus, on development land adjacent to the STEM Centre.

Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive of Middlesbrough College, said:

“TTE has an incredibly strong reputation for providing high quality technical skills locally, nationally and internationally – and we’ve been building on that since our purchase of TTE out of administration back in 2019.

“The TTE team is highly respected for delivering world-class training and while teaching and course content is excellent, the building is in poor condition.

“Having consulted on various options, we concluded that this relocation would give TTE students and staff the high-tech facilities and equipment they deserve, as well as improved links to the wider existing College facilities.

“We’re not only investing in our facilities but also securing the technical skills that are in demand and valued by local employers, to name British Steel, Quorn and Anglo American, among others.

“Over the past few months, we’ve held extensive consultations with employers and stakeholders covering everything from layout of the new facility to equipment and provision and feedback has been incredibly positive. We’ve also set up an advisory board of TTE employers which is meeting regularly to help shape the investment.”

Since its acquisition of TTE in 2019, Middlesbrough College Group is the largest engineering training provider for school leavers in the country. If approved, the new facility will train 300 full time students, 300 apprentices and 500 adults, alongside a thriving international cohort.

As well as its provision of traditional engineering, the new facility has been designed to futureproof emerging skills such as green energy.

Zoe added: “Renewable energy provides a huge economic opportunity for our region, with 36,000 jobs in offshore wind alone expected to be created in the next 12 years and wider net zero ambitions in the area being high.

“The new facility will allow us to significantly grow TTE’s offering in the coming years, particularly in the low carbon sector, and provide local learners with the skills and training they need to find their role in the booming green economy.”

Subject to a successful bid submitted to the Department for Education, the College is hoping to secure part funding for the £10m plans, with a decision expected in Spring. 

Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar and former TTE Apprentice, said:

“Whilst I was initially disappointed that we couldn’t keep the current TTE centre open, I have spoken at length with Middlesbrough College and I am now convinced that this is the right choice and their proposals for this new purpose-built engineering facility are fantastic.

“As a former TTE apprentice, I know from first hand experience how technical training can lead towards hugely rewarding careers in the kind of industrial sectors that are set to expand at a rapid rate in our region over the coming years.

“As we kickstart the green industrial revolution we will need all hands on deck, so this is great news for anybody looking to develop the skills needed to benefit from our clean industrial future and I thank Middlesbrough College for bringing them forward.”