New College Durham is strengthening its role in the North East’s advanced manufacturing sector with two senior appointments designed to bring education and industry closer together.
Chris Small has been appointed director of the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College, known as AMTEC, while Tori Screen has become head of school for advanced manufacturing. The college says the changes will help it respond to the skills needs of manufacturers, engineering companies and other specialist employers.
Industry experience brought into college leadership
Mr Small joins AMTEC after working at AESC, one of the region’s advanced manufacturing and battery businesses. In his new role, he will be responsible for the strategic development of the nationally recognised centre of excellence and will report directly to Sharon Bennett, the recently appointed assistant principal for advanced manufacturing and partnerships.
Ms Bennett has spent more than 10 years developing relationships between the college and regional employers. She previously held the position of assistant principal for partnerships.
Ms Screen’s appointment follows her work as New College Durham’s curriculum manager for technical construction. The college said her move would strengthen its ability to connect specialist technical education with the changing requirements of employers.
AMTEC aims to influence the future workforce
New College Durham is one of only four institutions recognised as an Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College. These centres are intended to give employers more opportunities to influence skills provision and help develop the workforce required for future growth.
“Businesses need access to people with the right skills, while also being able to develop their existing workforce.”
Mr Small said his experience at AESC had shown him the value of bringing employers and education closer together. He said AMTEC offered an opportunity for businesses to help shape the skills pipeline and create more engagement with the college.
He also pointed to the strength of the North East’s advanced manufacturing and engineering base, saying closer collaboration could help develop the skills and talent needed for regional growth.
Ms Screen said the college already had technical expertise, facilities and established employer relationships. She said businesses could help influence both the technologies taught and the way they were taught by sharing information about their future workforce needs.
Employers invited to get involved
New College Durham already works with employers through apprenticeships, placements, curriculum development, live projects, industry visits and workforce training.
AMTEC is now inviting manufacturers, engineering businesses, automotive companies, local space-technology firms and other employers to explore ways to participate. The college’s news announcement directs interested businesses to contact AMTEC for further information.