In a collaborative effort to enhance technical education in the Tees Valley, Industrial Technology Systems (ITS) has partnered with Middlesbrough College by sponsoring key facilities within the college's state-of-the-art TTE Engineering Centre. This initiative, part of a broader engagement involving several local businesses, marks an important step in strengthening the connection between industry and education in the region's engineering sector.
ITS has thrown its support behind the Process Control unit and the robotics room, demonstrating its commitment to fostering the next generation of engineering talent. These newly sponsored areas boast cutting-edge equipment that simulates real-world industrial processes.
TTE: A Hub of Technical Excellence
As part of the Middlesbrough College Group, TTE is renowned for its industry-focused training in oil & gas, process, manufacturing, and engineering sectors. The recent opening of the TTE Training Centre has solidified Middlesbrough College's position as a UK centre of excellence for Engineering and STEM subjects. This facility is equipping students with skills in emerging fields such as clean energy, retrofit technologies, and offshore high voltage systems.
Students enrolled in TTE programs and Middlesbrough College's engineering courses gain access to a comprehensive educational experience. They earn industry-recognised technical qualifications while benefiting from hands-on workshop experience with state-of-the-art equipment. The programs also offer valuable opportunities for industry placements and apprenticeships, providing real-world exposure to their chosen fields. These carefully designed programs effectively bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the modern workplace. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills and industry exposure, students emerge ready to tackle the challenges of their future careers in engineering and related technical fields.
ITS's Involvement and Support
Key representatives from ITS toured the new facilities, gaining firsthand insight into the impact of their sponsorship. During the tour, the ITS team expressed their enthusiasm for the state-of-the-art equipment and the potential it holds for training future engineers. Andrew Mills, CEO of ITS, remarked, "Seeing these facilities in action reinforces our decision to invest in the next generation of engineering talent. The level of technology and hands-on experience available to students here is impressive. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and skills development in the industry. We're excited to see how these resources will shape the engineers of tomorrow."
To complement the sponsorship of key facilities at the TTE, ITS is also demonstrating its commitment to nurturing local talent through its apprenticeship program. In addition to sponsoring the Process Control unit and robotics room, ITS is actively supporting two apprentices as part of their dedication to developing the next generation of engineering professionals. These apprentices benefit from hands-on experience working with ITS's experienced engineering team, exposure to real-world projects and industry-standard practices, a structured learning program that combines on-the-job training with classroom education, and mentorship from seasoned professionals in the field. This comprehensive approach ensures that the apprentices gain practical skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to their future careers in engineering.
Benefits and Future Prospects
The success of this initiative serves as a model for how businesses can actively contribute to developing the workforce of tomorrow. Companies looking to secure a pipeline of skilled engineers are encouraged to follow suit by taking on apprentices through the college's apprenticeship programs.
Businesses that engage with apprenticeship programs can expect numerous benefits, including:
Access to a pool of talented, industry-ready professionals
The opportunity to shape skills development to meet specific industry needs
Increased productivity and innovation within their organisations
Cost-effective recruitment and training solutions
Matthew Telling, Group Director of Business Engagement and Partnerships at the Middlesbrough College Group, emphasises, "Our collaboration with industry partners like ITS is crucial in developing innovative solutions to employer talent and recruitment challenges. By engaging with our apprenticeship programs, businesses can directly shape the skills of future employees while improving their own productivity and innovation."
As the Tees Valley continues to position itself as a hub for engineering and technical innovation, the collaboration between Middlesbrough College, TTE, and local businesses like ITS is paving the way for a bright future. By investing in these facilities and supporting apprenticeship programs, companies are not only securing their own future workforce but also contributing to the economic growth and technological advancement of the entire region.