New College Durham has brought manufacturing and engineering leaders together to help shape the skills and training needed across the North East’s advanced manufacturing sector.
The employer-led event was hosted by the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC), in partnership with Theo James Recruitment, ahead of National Manufacturing Day on Thursday 24 September. Businesses shared first-hand insight into changing roles, recruitment challenges, skills gaps and the technologies expected to influence their future workforces.
The event was hosted by New College Durham Principal and Chief Executive Andy Broadbent and Deputy Principal Alison Maynard. The college said it marked an important step in developing AMTEC’s employer-led approach, giving businesses a direct role in influencing future provision.
Industry input to guide future training
Discussions examined the capabilities manufacturers will need over the next 12 months and beyond. Topics included automation, robotics, digital manufacturing, artificial intelligence, space and sustainability.
The findings will help New College Durham identify priorities for future training, facilities and investment. They will also support the development of a stronger pipeline of employers interested in working with AMTEC.
Andy Broadbent said: “The strength and purpose of AMTEC will come from the partnerships we build with industry. We want employers to have a genuine voice in shaping the skills, training and opportunities available across the region, while making it easier for businesses to connect with the expertise and talent they need.”
He added that the event was intended to help the college listen directly to industry and turn that insight into action, while co-designing an approach that responds to emerging technologies and supports business growth and local communities.
What AMTEC will offer employers and learners
Chris Small, AMTEC’s Director, said the college wanted its provision to remain flexible and responsive to the needs of industry and communities. That includes adapting curriculum and training as technology, roles and businesses evolve.
AMTEC’s planned work with employers could cover curriculum development, apprenticeships, specialist upskilling and bespoke training. The college said the aim is to benefit students, businesses and communities by supporting progression into careers, recruitment and development, and access to new industries and economic growth.
“The more closely we work together, the more relevant and impactful that provision can be,” Chris Small said.
He also said the college intends to strengthen partnerships by taking its training team into industry workplaces and working alongside subject matter experts. The goal is to keep teaching and practice aligned with current industry developments and bring new technologies and real-world experience back into education.
New College Durham’s wider manufacturing role
New College Durham is one of only four colleges in England recognised by the Department for Education as an Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College. It has a national remit to strengthen collaboration between education, employers and the wider skills system.
The initiative builds on the college’s established employer partnerships and its role as lead educational partner for the North East Institute of Technology. New College Durham is also home to the National Battery & Training Skills Academy and has a dedicated Training and Skills Development Team to help employers access training, skills and workforce development support.
Businesses interested in influencing future advanced manufacturing skills and training can find out more through New College Durham’s employer partnership programme.