A NEW merger aims to help tackle the region's skills shortages in engineering and construction industries.

The North-East will need an estimated 12,000 more workers in the construction industry alone until 2019 and it is hoped a new link-up between Stockton Riverside College (SRC) and the NETA Training Trust will provide more responsive training to help plug the gap.

The college announced the merger today (Monday, August 24), hailing it a "shot in the arm" for the future construction and engineering industries, particularly on Teesside.

The two organisations will drive forward both engineering and vocational training.

SRC Principal Phil Cook said: “We are confident that together we will be stronger, sustainable and have the opportunity to further develop and grow high quality skills training into the future. It is very exciting.”

He said the merger would help both organisations to achieve future growth plans while meeting the region’s business needs and the demands of the surrounding community.

The NETA Training Trust has provided engineering and vocational training for 40 years from its bases in Stockton and Billingham, with its chief executive, Frank Ramsay, at the helm for the last 21 years.

Mr Ramsay said: “I have always been fully committed to providing training services that match business needs. I am confident that, by working together, these two organisations will deliver this and more.

“Businesses will be able to take full advantage of the strengths of both organisations as we continue to expand our services. This is something that would not have been possible for NETA or the College to achieve alone.”

Mr Cook added: “Gone are the days when businesses needed to chase around to co-ordinate all aspects of their training needs; together we aim to provide an all-inclusive provision.”

NETA said it would remain as an individual entity but would be able to access training provision from SRC including in English, Maths, catering, construction trades, accountancy, leadership and management and computing, as well as being able to use other college services.

Neil Schneider, chief executive of Stockton Borough Council, said: "This is a challenging time for all colleges and I’m pleased to see such a positive move being made to tackle skills shortages faced by local businesses because it is such an important issue.”

Earlier this month business leaders' group the CBI warned the future growth of North-East business was at risk due to a lack of skilled workers, saying engineering, construction and manufacturing companies were "desperate" for staff, but couldn't find the right people.