A TRAINING provider has opened a centre it says will help nurture the next generation of workers.

South West Durham Training, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has launched a plumbing and gas hub.

Bosses say the site will offer industry-recognised qualifications, providing gas safety training alongside water regulation tuition.

The training centre is an extension of the commercial offer from South West Durham Training, which is a subsidiary of Bishop Auckland College.

It was opened by Ray Dobson, director of Bishop Auckland-based plumbing and electrical contractor, K Hewitt & Co, and Natalie Davison, Bishop Auckland College’s principal and chief executive.

Ms Davison said: “In addition to the new gas centre, the college has provided plumbing training and apprenticeships for local companies for more than 50 years.

“This investment will support more companies with their training needs now and in the future.”

Mr Dobson, joint-owner of Hewitt’s, added: “We have a long-standing relationship with the college, training apprentices, and this development will enable lots of businesses to access plumbing and gas training in their local area.”

Led by former apprentice, Lee Childs, who took over as chief executive last year, South West Durham Training was previously adjudged outstanding by Ofsted.

The organisation, which counts Gatwick chief executive, Stewart Wingate, and comedian, Vic Reeves, as former students, is known for working with companies such as Aycliffe train builder Hitachi, Darlington engine maker Cummins, and drugs firm GlaxoSmithKline, in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Mr Childs, who was previously head of engineering and automotive technology at Darlington College, said it is imperative youngsters have the necessary knowledge to maintain important industries.

He added: “High-quality apprenticeships are an absolute must for the future success of manufacturing and engineering in the country; we need to invest in young people.

“We know we have an ageing workforce in the North-East, and for companies apprenticeships really do make sense.

“It’s an ideal way to train and it isn’t a second-class route either.

“There is a definite refocus on apprenticeships, rather than companies going out and looking for trained people who are already there.”