A new training centre has officially opened in the North East to widen access to electrical apprenticeship training and support the shift towards low-carbon skills.
JTL’s Teesside Training Centre, based in Thornaby, is designed to address the growing demand for electricians in industries focused on clean energy, infrastructure, and housing.
The facility was formally opened at a launch event attended by employers, industry representatives, and local stakeholders, including Councillor Lisa Evans, leader of StocktonCouncil and Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet member for education and skills, and Chris Claydon, chief executive of JTL.
Cllr Evans said: "It was a pleasure to officially open JTL’s new Teesside Training Centre and to see first-hand the opportunities it will create for apprentices, employers and the wider region.
"High-quality technical training is vital to ensuring people can access rewarding careers while supporting local businesses with the skilled workforce they need.
"Facilities like this have an important role to play in helping the Tees Valley deliver its ambitions for economic growth, infrastructure and the transition to cleaner energy."
The training centre aims to support employers, apprentices, and regional growth by expanding access to electrical apprenticeship training.
It forms part of JTL’s broader commitment to delivering high-quality apprenticeships that meet regional and national skills needs, particularly those related to the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Mr Claydon said: "The opening of our new Teesside Training Centre marks another important milestone in JTL’s continued expansion to meet industry demand.
"This facility represents a significant investment in skills for the region and will help us train high-calibre apprentices in electrical installation, supporting both local employers and the wider Tees Valley economy.
"Employers across the country are facing significant skills pressures, particularly in electrical installation and low-carbon technologies.
"Training of this quality that JTL provides is critical to helping close that gap, supporting businesses and giving more people access to rewarding careers in the building services engineering sector.
"We are proud to be investing in Teesside and to be working with local employers, regional stakeholders and our specialist delivery teams to ensure apprentices receive the high-quality training and support they need to succeed."
The centre was developed to support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy and respond to growing demand for skilled electricians and building services professionals.
This demand is being driven by the delivery of new homes, upgrading infrastructure, and the rollout of low-carbon technologies.
The Tees Valley Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) identifies green energy, industrial decarbonisation, and net zero as priority sectors.
It highlights significant regional opportunities linked to Teesworks, carbon capture, offshore wind, hydrogen, and housing growth, all of which require a skilled electrical workforce.
JTL’s new training centre is intended to help meet that need by equipping apprentices with the practical and technical skills required for careers in the electrotechnical and low-carbon sectors.
Roosevelt Alexander, head of delivery North East at JTL, said: "JTL Teesside is a fantastic asset for apprentices, employers and the wider region.
"The centre has been purpose-built to provide a modern, high-quality learning environment, combining practical workshop space with fully equipped classrooms so apprentices can develop both the technical knowledge and hands-on skills required by industry.
"Our site-experienced tutors and dedicated Training Officers provide apprentices with personalised guidance, industry insight and continuous support throughout their programme.
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"This combination of excellent facilities and expert teaching will help ensure learners are fully prepared for their assessments and for long-term success in the electrotechnical industry."
As part of the launch event, JTL’s senior leadership and Councillor Evans hosted a roundtable discussion with employers, including JBA Engineering, Quartz Electrical & Mechanical Services Ltd, and Intelect.
The discussion focused on how national and regional policy can better support apprenticeship training through incentives and simplification, as well as how to ensure that Tees Valley has the skilled workforce needed to deliver future infrastructure, housing and clean energy ambitions both in the short and long term.
