Historic Tees Valley building becomes educational environment with £100k investment

An historic building converted into a £100k training facility at Tees Components has been opened by leader of Redcar & Cleveland Council Mary Lanigan.

The family-run engineering firm has equipped the facility with STEM-standard equipment as it continues to increase the number of apprentices it recruits year-on-year as well as supporting the upskilling of its existing workforce.

Situated on the Tees Components’ six-acre site at North Skelton, near Saltburn, the 19th century building was a former milling shop for an ironstone mine.

The investment has created seven training stations, which feature manual and CNC lathe turning, manual and CNC milling, surface grinding and bench work.

Cllr Mary Lanigan said: “I was delighted to officially open this fantastic facility here in East Cleveland.

“I think it’s wonderful that Tees Components have invested so much into their training centre, helping young people launch their careers with an apprenticeship and enabling their current workforce to undertake training and develop their skills so they can progress further within the company.”

On average, Tees Components previously recruited two apprentices per year, which, from this year, has been doubled to four as part of its continuing commitment to apprenticeship recruitment and training.

The company has provided additional training in areas like 3D CAD CAM software, ILM leadership qualifications, ICT, IOSH and NEBOSH safety training and mental health first aid.

Tees Components’ managing director, Sharon Lane, is a governor of Middlesbrough College, working in an advisory capacity for its STEM Centre, and the business has established strong links with local schools.

She added: “Tees Components is tremendously proud of its role as an employer and as a contributor to the wider Teesside economy.

“Our investment in this training facility reflects our commitment to provide quality jobs and careers for young people in the area in addition to supporting the continued personal development of our existing workforce.

“Many here at Tees Components have been through the apprenticeship process and we know the value of learning both practical and future skills which underpin the continuing success of our businesses.”