A COLLEGE has bought a business organisation’s education division in a move bosses say will strengthen apprenticeship provision.

Middlesbrough College has taken on North East Chamber of Commerce Training.

Officials say the new operation will become one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the North.

The college delivers apprentices for technical, professional and service industries, with North East Chamber of Commerce Training providing around 1,000 apprenticeships a year.

Its 70 staff will transfer to the college under the agreement.

Zoe Lewis, Middlesbrough College principal and chief executive, said: “This marks a significant milestone in our development.

“North East Chamber of Commerce Training is a perfect fit for us as we continue to adapt and expand training and continue to support the Local Enterprise Partnerships and Combined Authorities with their needs.

“Our aim is to offer tailored, high-quality solutions, which ensure we are the first choice for employers seeking skills in the North-East.”

James Ramsbotham, North East Chamber of Commerce chief executive, added: “The decision to sell was not taken lightly, but our board agrees this move offers the best possible future for both our core membership business and the training division.

“In Middlesbrough College, we are confident we have found a training provider that shares our commitment to the North-East business community and who will provide the infrastructure and support needed to ensure this business is fit for purpose in in the years ahead.”

North East Chamber of Commerce Training has a £3m turnover and has established a reputation for providing career opportunities in the North-East.

Middlesbrough College has a number of contracts with companies in the region, including Teesside car part makers Nifco UK and ElringKlinger, Middlesbrough haulage firm AV Dawson, and Darlington’s Total Recycling Solutions.

It has also spent £20m in the last three years to develop science, technology, engineering and maths training facilities.

Bosses say the expansion, coupled with new training programmes, means it can meet the needs of local employers and help overcome the devastation felt by the closure of Redcar’s SSI UK steelworks, which caused thousands of job losses.