Training group urges companies to look at apprentices (From The Northern Echo)

TTE Technical Group, near Middlesbrough, calls on firms to invest in young talent

6:00am Saturday 9th March 2013 in Business News By Steven Hugill

A TRAINING group has urged North-East employers to invest in apprentices to plug skills and drive businesses forward.

Steve Grant, managing director of TTE Technical Group, in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, said companies must look at training apprentices to secure their long-term future, which will provide equally similar benefits for the region's economy.

Mr Grant, speaking ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, which starts on Monday, March 11, said TTE can take about 200 young people every year, and has already received more than 500 applications.

It provides apprenticeship training for the mining, oil and gas and retail sectors and covers mechanical, electrical and warehousing disciplines.

He said: “All employers want skilled, confident, articulate, safe workers to drive their business to success, and today’s engineering apprentices provide just that.

“Apprenticeships are the only type of training that develops young people into employees with a strong work ethos who add value quickly.”

“If the UK is to remain competitive in an increasingly tough industrial marketplace we have to invest in the skills of the future workforce now.

“Although employers are working against a harsh economic backdrop, they cannot afford to ignore potential future skills gaps.

“The oil and gas industry will experience increased activity in the near future, which will open up considerable opportunities for engineering firms in the supply chain.”