A NORTH East training provider is hoping to engineer more careers than ever after appointing a new chief executive to grow its regional footprint.

SW Durham Training (SWDT), which specialises in training courses for the engineering and manufacturing sectors, has appointed Charl Erasmus as chief executive. Erasmus, previously SWDT’s head of operations, replaces former boss Ann Cant who recently retired.

Mr Erasmus has worked at SWDT since 2007, and has overseen a number of major developments including the build of the company’s multi-million-pound CORE facility which opened in November 2011. The £3.6m centre contains hi-tech equipment, including 3D laser scanners, laser cutters, rapid prototyping machines, routers, highly automated manufacturing systems, CNC simulators, lathes and millers and flexible manufacturing stations which simulate the real-life business of manufacturing across a range of sub-sectors for students.

Mr Erasmus said: “SWDT has a really important role to play in developing the North East’s skills base in manufacturing and engineering and I believe that there is a genuine opportunity for us to drive forward growth in this area.

“The excellent reputation we have managed to build over the past 45 years has been hard-earned and it is down to results – time and time again, those who have passed through our centre have risen to the top of national and international businesses and this is down to innovative and industry specific teaching.”

As part of his growth strategy, Erasmus is completing a company restructure and has appointed a business development manager who will be responsible for developing a sales strategy to attract more business.