Students bring economy windfall
OVERSEAS students who come to Teesside to gain vital skills are contributing hundreds of thousands of pounds to the local economy, a report from the TTE Technical Training Group has revealed.
The Middlesbrough-based training organisation says overseas technicians’ rent, salary and living expenses provide a huge boost to the local economy - with almost half a million pounds a year generated through rent and living allowances alone.
During the last 12 months more than 100 international students have spent varying amounts of time on industry-recognised courses at TTE’s Wilton training centre. They have lived in accommodation on either Stockton’s Riverside or Hartlepool Marina in a total of 45 flats, which TTE International rents on behalf of the students.
Rents alone paid in the last 12 months have contributed nearly £400,000 to the local economy.
Students receive a monthly living allowance of up to £160 a month, on top of their normal salary. These costs, as well as their rent, are paid for by their employer.
TTE was originally created by ICI and British Steel to train Teesside workers. While continuing to work with the local market, its expansion into offering skills to overseas students initially met with some criticism.
Keith Hunter, TTE managing director, said: “While there is a broad understanding of the role TTE plays in terms of training technicians from around the globe, the contribution in terms of (that) helping sustain the local economy is not so well known.
“Money from TTE’s international students is cascading out in to local businesses.”
Richard KA Bondzie, currently studying for an NVQ 2 in process operations, said: “The quality of the training and facilities at TTE is first class and I can see why TTE’s residential course on Teesside was chosen by my company, Tullow Oil, which is based in Ghana.”
Share
