Teeside skills shortage to be addressed by international recruitment company

A lasting solution to Teesside’s skills shortage has been accelerated by an international recruitment company opening a new office in Redcar.

NRL, specializing in engineering and construction, has chosen the Wilton Centre as the place to help bring about change. The centre is the 13th NRL office to open since the company was established in 1983.

Emma Lowden, branch manager, NRL office in Sunderland said: “I don’t think there was any other location. We knew we wanted to be in Teesside and to be at the Wilton Centre. Our Sunderland office was dealing with more and more work opportunities in the Tees Valley so it was really important for us to invest here.

“It’s about encouraging people to come back to Teesside, but also looking at transferable skills. How open are companies to look at people with transferrable skills who might just need a little bit of training to move to emerging industries such as renewable energy and carbon capture?

“But there’s a need to invest in the next generation as well. We’ve got to use this as an opportunity to create a legacy in Teesside. That legacy has to begin early in education to encourage women, in particular, to choose a career in engineering or construction.”

High Tide, a charitable foundation in the Tees Valley, which helps young people prepare for work and raise their career aspirations is working with the Wilton Centre.

Allan Stevenson, operations, Wilton Centre, commented: “I want to make them aware that there’s a lot more to engineering than what they might think. Back in the 90s when I was at school, we didn’t have anything like High Tide. There was no awareness about jobs and the local area, so I think it’s really important for us to be involved.

“It’s about opening their minds to what a fantastic industry engineering is. It’s no longer just boots on a construction site. There are opportunities for everybody from all walks of life. It’s fascinating and we just have to shout about it a bit more.”

Claire Morton, accommodation manager, Wilton Centre, said: “I am certain NRL will be of great help to our occupiers who are engaged in engineering and construction.”

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