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North Shields-based AIS opens second multi-million pound training centre

Specialist training provider AIS has officially opened a second, multi-million pound industrial training centre in Grimsby, to mirror its North Tyneside site, creating 30 new jobs

The centre will provide skills training for the global wind, maritime, oil and gas, nuclear and heavy industry sectors.

Constructed in two phases, this first initial phase includes a fully equipped wind training centre with 17metre high training tower, climbing and rescue platform incorporating vertical fall-arrest safety systems, three mock nacelles, a rope access area and a lifting and rigging workshop.

Using these simulated facilities, AIS Training will recreate realistic training scenarios which prepare individuals for the hazards of working at height, such as those on a wind turbine. These training scenarios are developed closely with industry to ensure people are ‘work-ready’.

It is expecting to train more than 15,000 delegates annually in skills such as working at height and in confined space, sea survival, banksman slinger, first aid, OPITO insulation, fire awareness and basic fire-fighting.

Phase two will include the development of a survival pool and innovation and training hub during 2015/16. The finished training facility will provide careers advice and guidance and will develop training programmes tailored to future industry needs.

Dave Bowyer, director of training and education at AIS, said: “We are delighted to finally open our brand new state-of-the-art training facility in Grimsby.

“Skills shortages remain one of the key challenges facing businesses across the UK and the creation of our world-leading training facility will help to plug some of those gaps. For example, predictions suggest that the renewable energy sector alone will create 70,000 new jobs over the next five years and AIS is ideally placed to equip the right people with the right skills to fill these positions.”

He continued: “AIS Training has an exceptional record of helping people into work by developing competent and talented workers with the appropriate skill sets for industry. We see enormous potential for Grimsby to be a global leader in renewable energy skills and competency training worldwide and we are very excited to help the city fulfil its potential.”

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