AT THE heart of North Tyneside’s diverse economic base, Tyne Metropolitan College is a beacon for inspiration and aspiration.

Principal Jon Vincent and his specialist team are leading the drive to encourage the development of new industry and technology across the borough.

And TyneMet is fast gaining a reputation as North Tyneside’s go-to provider of enthusiastic apprentices, targeted skills support and practical business advice.

Key developments include a groundbreaking partnership with the Quorum Business Park and the establishment of the college’s sector-leading Business Ambassador programme.

But Audrey Kingham, deputy principal curriculum and business development, insists TyneMet can become an even bigger player on North Tyneside’s evolving economic stage.

“As a college boasting unique resources and various skill sets we have always seen ourselves playing a key role within the business community,” she said.

“We are ideally placed to make a major contribution to North Tyneside’s economic revival and we can ensure the borough becomes a better place in which to live, work, visit and do business.

“TyneMet is proud of the special relationship we enjoy with local businesses – a bond which benefits both students and prospective employers.

“We want our students to aspire and inspire and we truly feel that our business partners share that ideology.”

The college’s unique partnership with Northumbria University at Quorum is indicative of a proactive policy aimed at encouraging business development and broadening the borough’s skills base.

The new Quorum Learning Centre offers occupiers of the business park a dedicated onsite learning resource that is free to use. And TyneMet provides courses and training sessions for entry level employees to management level professionals.

“The college is very much part of the local community and we welcome the chance to provide training and personal development opportunities across the borough,” said TyneMet principal and chief executive Jon Vincent.

“We were delighted with the interest shown by employees across the business park when we came to tell them about plans for the Quorum Learning Centre and what we could offer.”

Elsewhere, the college’s innovative Business Ambassador programme continues to capture the imagination, with bosses from across the borough keen to lend their support and expertise to the employees of the future.

Each curriculum within the college boasts a designated Business Ambassador – available to work alongside lecturers to prepare students for the workplace and, in a number of cases, sponsor students ahead of their move into full or part-time employment.

David Bavaird, of North Shields-based Scrap Tyre Exchange Ltd, said: “I am proud to be a Business Ambassador for TyneMet and feel that it is a scheme which benefits both students and employers.

“I enjoy working with the college’s enthusiastic staff and feel both they and their students can play a key role in the economy of North Tyneside now and in the future.”

TyneMet’s desire to develop the apprentices of the future further strengthens the bond between the borough’s employers and their would-be employees.

As part of the college’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strategy there is an ongoing commitment to meet the demand of specialist employers and encourage further inward investment.

And employers across North Tyneside continue to benefit from the college’s focus on targeted skills and enhanced student learning.

“I chose to work with TyneMet as an employer for our new apprentice scheme for two reasons,” said Adam Jackson, managing director of Quorum-based North East Letting.

“Firstly, I used to be a student at the college and was always impressed with the teaching and facilities there.

“Secondly, after contacting various apprentice scheme providers, TyneMet were quick to respond, very efficient and in a position to offer the best service to me as an employer and to the new members of staff. I would recommend the college without hesitation.”

Victor Reid, director of business development at TyneMet, added: “If the regional economy grows as predicted, then demand will outstrip supply.

“Our aim is to develop the skilled workers with qualifications in STEM-related fields required to meet that demand.”