Member Article

Newcastle’s TDR Training completes ETC acquisition

Newcastle-based TDR Training Ltd, a support source for the manufacturing and engineering industry, has completed the acquisition of the Engineering Training Centre (ETC) from British Engines.

Originally part of the Rolls Royce group of companies, ETC has a longstanding history of apprenticeship training.

British Engines announced its intention to transfer the asset of ETC to TDR, for a nominal fee, in June this year, as part of its vision to develop a training resource for businesses in the region

Launched in 1998, the TDR Trust has worked through its training subsidiary TDR Training to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths/Manufacturing) as worthwhile careers for young people and have to date trained thousands of engineers both regionally and nationally.

ETC will be amalgamated into TDR’s business, which will enable the provision of a full range of employer led training, as well as engaging with more young people and employers to help nurture the region’s STEM talent.

Richard Dodd, chief operations officer at British Engines, said: “British Engines has expertise in engineering and manufacturing, but not in running and developing a training school to its full potential.

“So we are delighted that this acquisition is now complete, allowing ETC’s expertise to continue to flourish with TDR.

“We will continue to work alongside TDR and all British Engines’ apprentices will attend the training school.

“We believe that this is a great first step in developing a full service, exemplary training facility and we will continue to be committed to encouraging and nurturing future engineering talent in the North East.”

Ian Young, managing director of TDR Training Ltd, said: “The acquisition gives TDR a number of exciting new options, including offering a much broader range of training to our learners and our employers.

“In 2017 we will see major changes to apprenticeship delivery and funding, and the merged organisation will allow us to plan for and respond to the challenges and opportunities ahead.”