The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has opened a North Tyneside training centre expected to support more than 40 apprentices in its first year.
Based at Cobalt Park, MTC Training Tyneside is forecast to grow to more than 100 apprentices a year as its provision expands. Once fully established, it is expected to have about 300 learners enrolled at any one time.
The centre was officially opened by Dr Graham Hoare OBE, chief executive of MTC, at an event for businesses, partners, and stakeholders. Guests toured the facilities, watched practical training demonstrations, and met apprentices from the first cohort.
The opening comes as the North East faces recruitment pressures in advanced manufacturing. The region has 663 active advanced manufacturing firms, and about 59% of vacancies are hard to fill, according to the North East Evidence Hub. More than 37% of vacancies are linked to specific skills shortages.
MTC Training also operates in Coventry, Liverpool, and Oxfordshire.
The centre’s initial offer was shaped by feedback from North East employers, who identified a shortage of the skills needed to work with increasingly complex equipment as manufacturing becomes more automated. Level 3 mechatronics maintenance technician and engineering fitter apprenticeships will be among the first programmes delivered.
Most MTC Training apprentices stay with their employer after completing their training, progressing into roles such as engineering technician, reliability and maintenance technician, and service engineer.
The first apprentices, including Molly, 23, and Layla, 19, both from Tyneside, will begin training this autumn, with further cohorts expected from early 2027.
David Grailey, managing director of MTC Training, said: “MTC Training Tyneside allows us to respond directly to manufacturers in the region, developing skills locally and working with employers as their requirements evolve. In doing so, we can help businesses build their future workforce, support growth in the North East and strengthen the UK’s industrial capability.”
Sir Alan Campbell, MP for Tynemouth, said: “I am delighted that MTC has chosen to open its Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre on Cobalt Park. MTC brings experience and energy to such an important issue – making sure that people, particularly young people, have the skills they need for the future. After all, they are the future of our region. I hope this is part of a new chapter in the economic story of the North East, creating opportunities for local people to access good, well-paid jobs and supporting local manufacturers to build the advanced industries of the future. I wish MTC every success in its endeavours.”
Lloyds Banking Group supported the development as part of a wider partnership with MTC, under which it has committed £18.5m to the end of 2029. Lloyds says the partnership has supported more than 5,000 apprentices, graduates, and engineers through MTC to date, and the figure is expected to rise with the Tyneside opening.
Amanda Murphy, chief executive of business and commercial banking at Lloyds, said: “Our long-term partnership with MTC reflects our commitment to backing Britain’s manufacturers. Having already supported more than 5,000 apprentices, graduates and engineers through MTC, the opening of Tyneside is an important next step in helping unlock growth across the North East and strengthening the UK’s industrial future.”
Main image: (Left to right) Molly and Layla, part of the first cohort of apprentices to be trained at MTC Training Tyneside
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