Teesside skills partnership pushes region to country’s net zero “epicentre”

The skills fuelling Teesside’s push to be the net zero “epicentre of the country” are being created at a greater rate thanks to a new partnership.

TTE, part of Middlesbrough College Group, is working with Skelton based Correll Group to develop apprentices who will become technicians carrying out essential maintenance for renewable energy companies, including on subsea cables and wind turbines.

Sam Dowey, managing director of Correll Group said: “We’re a team of more than 450 technicians that keep the renewable energy industry going. It’s highly specialised work that requires precision skills. That’s why we’re invested in our apprentices, the future of our company.

“With the help of TTE’s expert tutors, we’ve designed an apprenticeship scheme that will give our learners all the skills and competencies of a well-rounded technician who could tackle all aspects of the work we do.”

The apprentices, all from Teesside, are already experiencing first-hand what Correll technicians do for renewable energy operators onshore and offshore. This includes tasks such as connection of high voltage cables, joining of fibre optic cables, as well as testing and maintenance of testing equipment.

John Cooke, operations manager at TTE, said: “It’s great to be working with Correll Group – a company that is front and centre of the renewable energy industry that’s driving Teesside and the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.

“We’ve worked with Correll’s team to shape a programme that will create long lasting skills and secure its workforce for many years to come.

“Their sector is fast moving and the demand for highly competent technicians is growing at pace. TTE and Middlesbrough College Group are using the knowledge and first-class facilities we have to stay ahead of that curve.”