JTL plugs into Teesside with new training centre

A training provider has opened a new specialist centre in Teesside to help address the growing shortage of qualified electricians.

JTL has unveiled a 4000sq ft training centre at Teesside Estate in Thornaby following a six-figure investment. 

The facility is expected to train hundreds of employed apprentices each year as demand for skilled electrical workers continues to rise.

JTL officially opened the centre alongside representatives from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, the Tees Valley Combined Authority and businesses from across the electrical industry.

It becomes the organisation’s 18th training facility nationwide and is designed to support apprentices pursuing careers in the electrical sector.

Robert Moore, head of infrastructure and projects at JTL, said: “It fills us with great pride to have been joined by representatives from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and leaders from across the industry for the official opening of our new Teesside Training Centre.

“JTL has been delivering apprenticeship training for over 35 years, but we made a conscious decision to set up our own network of training centres across the UK to ensure greater quality control and deliver the best possible training to our apprentices.

“Since then, we have partnered with some of the country’s leading electrical contractors and construction companies and we now have 17 JTL training centres across the UK, from as far north as Carlisle and south as Eastbourne, west as Wrexham and east as Hull. 

“So far, the strategy has really paid off. 

“The training centres have delivered training to thousands of apprentices in the last 12 months alone and we have every confidence that the Teesside training centre will further build on this success.” 

Councillor Lisa Evans, leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet member for education and skills, added: “It was a pleasure to officially open JTL’s new Teesside Training Centre and to see first-hand the opportunities it will create for apprentices, employers and the wider region.

“High-quality technical training is vital to ensuring people can access rewarding careers while supporting local businesses with the skilled workforce they need. 

“Facilities like this have an important role to play in helping the Tees Valley deliver its ambitions for economic growth, infrastructure and the transition to cleaner energy.”

Demand for qualified electricians is forecast to increase by around 32,000 roles by 2035, according to Skills England, driven by growth in construction and the transition to clean energy.

JTL has signed a ten-year lease for the purpose-built unit on Thornaby’s Teesside Estate, which was developed by UK Land Estates to help address the shortage of high-quality industrial workspace across the region.

David Gibbs, property director at UK Land Estates, added: “We are delighted that JTL has chosen Teesside Estate to house its new Teesside Training Centre.

“As a business which works closely with construction businesses and contractors across the North East, we know all too well how much the shortage of skilled tradespeople has impacted the industry, which is why centres like this are so important. 

“They not only give young people the skills and experience required to progress in their careers but also ensure our businesses have the skilled talent coming through to futureproof their workforce. 

“It will be a fantastic asset for the Tees Valley.”

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