Pictured, from left to right, are Mark Topping, training and development officer at Magna Exteriors; Derek Hodgkiss, maintenance and facilities technician at Magna Exteriors; and Suzanne Jovanovic, head of apprenticeship engagement at Seta

Skills shift gears at Sunderland car plant

A Sunderland-based automotive company has invested in workforce training to strengthen skills and ensure compliance across its operations.

Vehicle exteriors specialist Magna Exteriors, which opened its Sunderland site in 2021, has collaborated with Washington-based training provider Seta to deliver programmes for more than 100 employees at its Sunderland plant.

The programmes covered fire safety, first aid, electrical engineering, team leadership and other bespoke training designed around production schedules.

Mark Topping, training and development officer at Magna Exteriors (Sunderland), which was recently shortlisted for Employer of the Year at the North East Automotive Alliance Awards 2025, said: “We’ve received fantastic feedback from the team in response to the training delivered by Seta.

“Our employees are excited to have had the opportunity to build their skills further and they recognise the investment we’re making in their careers long-term.

“Engaging with an engineering and business training specialist such as Seta demonstrates Magna Exteriors’ commitment to our Sunderland workforce and shows how passionate we are about developing talent here in North East England.”

Robin Lockwood, chief executive of not-for-profit group training provider Seta, which also delivers apprenticeships alongside specialist industry courses, added: “Magna Exteriors (Sunderland) is a major employer in the local area and a key part of the region’s automotive supply chain, so we’re delighted that through the SSIP, we have been able to help upskill its workforce.

“This partnership is another example of how Seta is working with regional manufacturers to strengthen workforces and build the right foundations for future growth.”

Courses were delivered through the Sunderland Skills and Inclusion Project, delivered by the University of Sunderland and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →