Group proves tops for training

May 20 2009 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

TTE Technical Training Group is on course to outperform national trends when it comes to the training of apprentices.

The national and regional average for the number of individuals completing an Advanced Apprenticeship framework is 66% for engineering, but TTE is on course to hit the 90% mark this year.

During the last five years, more than 800 apprentices have completed TTE training programmes.

Figures released earlier this year showed that success rates for Learning and Skills Council-funded apprenticeship programmes throughout the North-east had risen by 7% over a year from 59% in 2006-7 to 66% in 2007-8.

TTE’s learners undergo two years of “off the job” training at TTE’s fully-equipped centre in South Bank, Middlesbrough, in a programme, which provides a strong blend of academic study and technical vocational training.

They then have the opportunity to progress to an industry-sponsored Advanced Apprenticeship, where they gain practical experience at industrial sites across the Tees Valley.

Keith Hunter, TTE Group Managing Director, said: “TTE prides itself on the quality of its industry standard training courses, which are combined with strong career support and pastoral care, all of which contribute to our outstanding success rate.

“Our Apprenticeships produce a future workforce of highly motivated individuals capable of delivering a great personal contribution to a business.

“Apprentices also ensure that a workforce grows and develops, which is good for a business’s bottom line,” he added.

“Highly-trained workers, with the skills to match the needs of industry, are crucial ingredients for a successful economy.”