Seven-figure Northumberland training centre reveals “cutting-edge” investment

Northumberland County Council’s new £1.4m “state-of-the-art” welding and fabrication training centre has been bolstered by a new “CoWelder” robotic welding machine.

The centre is based in the heart of the Port of Blyth, alongside the flagship Energy Central Learning Campus. It is designed to tackle the skills gap by training up the next generation of engineers to meet the needs of industry and create opportunities for rewarding careers for local people.

After opening to students earlier this year, it has now taken delivery of a “cutting-edge” robotic CoWelder thanks to a partnership with global manufacturer Migatronic.

Described as a collaborative welding robot or “cobot”, it is built to work together with teams in a shared workspace without the need for safety barriers and to carry out routine work so a welder can channel their skills into other more complex tasks. Every student in the centre also has their own welding bay, kitted out with Migatronic equipment.

The training centre is run by Northumberland Skills, the council’s post-16 education provider, offering a wide range of full and part-time courses, apprenticeship training programmes and employability programmes to residents across the county and beyond.

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet member with responsibility for Inspiring Young People, commented: “Northumberland County Council is investing in our young people and people of all ages who want to learn new skills for the jobs of the future.

“This state-of-the-art training centre and technology is going to propel business and industry forward in Blyth, Northumberland and beyond.

“The team at Northumberland Skills is passionate about inspiring the next generation and are building close relationships with their industry partners to make sure their offer meets business needs. This is a really exciting time for Blyth and Northumberland as we look to the future.”

Blyth Valley MP, Ian Levy, added: “I am thrilled to visit the new Welding and Fabrication Centre and to see learners already reaping the rewards of the state-of-the-art facilities. This investment by the council recognises the ambition here in Blyth, and Northumberland, to be a driving force in building thriving green industries in Britain.”

Richard Young, country manager, Migatronic, concluded: “Investing in the engineers of the future is key to our business and we look forward to developing this partnership so that Northumberland continues to lead the way in creating new green jobs for the future.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily