MTC Training Tyneside, North Tyneside to open new centre

MTC Training Tyneside, based at Cobalt Park in North Tyneside, will focus on apprenticeships and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

The centre aims to boost skills in areas such as automation and mechatronics for both new entrants and experienced workers.

David Grailey, managing director at MTC Training, said: “Manufacturers across the North East are looking for practical ways to stay competitive, attract and retain workers, improve productivity and take advantage of new opportunities now and in the future – all of that starts with having the right skills in place.

MTC Training Tyneside is due to open at Cobalt Park near Newcastle (Image: Supplied)

“MTC Training Tyneside gives businesses a clear and accessible way to invest in apprenticeships and training that help their teams grow and support long-term success.

“By developing a pipeline of skilled workers and opening high‑quality career opportunities for local talent, this centre will play a real part in strengthening the region’s economy while directly supporting the Government’s Industrial Strategy.

“It’s an important step in closing the skills gap and helping North-East manufacturers compete with confidence in a rapidly evolving industry.”

The facility builds on MTC Training’s expertise in Coventry and aims to serve as a vital link for industrial upskilling in the North East.

MTC Training Tyneside is due to open at Cobalt Park near Newcastle (Image: Supplied)

The centre is part of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), a research technology organisation that works with academia and industry to accelerate innovative manufacturing processes and technologies.

Funded by Lloyds and supported by an expanded partnership, the new facility will open this summer with a range of reskilling and upskilling programmes.

The partnership between Lloyds and the MTC now totals more than £18.5 million and extends through to the end of 2029.

Amanda Murphy, CEO of Lloyds Business and Commercial Banking, said: “The new centre in Tyneside will play an important role in the region’s future growth by bringing advanced manufacturing training closer to communities and businesses in the North East.

“By the end of 2029, 6,500 people will have benefited from the training offered by the four MTC centres sponsored by Lloyds.”

To date, MTC has supported the training of more than 5,000 apprentices, engineers, and graduates at its centres in Coventry, Oxfordshire, and Liverpool.

With the addition of MTC Training Tyneside, the goal is to upskill more than 6,500 apprentices, engineers and graduates by the end of 2029.

Starting in September 2026, the centre will deliver Level 3 and Level 4 apprenticeship programmes, beginning with an initial cohort of 48 apprentices.

These will include programmes for Mechatronic Maintenance Technicians, Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technicians, Engineering Fitters, and Engineering Maintenance Technicians.

A Level 4 Automation and Controls Engineering Technician route is also proposed, subject to funding.

Recruitment has already begun for five new roles at the centre, with six more to follow.

Information on commercial courses will be available from March, and apprenticeship recruitment will open in April.

Phil Witcherley, Director of Economic Growth and Innovation at the North East Combined Authority, said: “The news that MTC Training is opening a new facility in North East England brings a welcome addition to the training industry at an exciting time for our region’s Green Energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.

“We expect to see the number of Green Energy Jobs double to 50,000 in the next decade as we harness the potential of offshore wind and the North East’s unique location and ability to service new and existing North Sea sites; alongside this, we are investing to support the transition of our world-class automotive sector to an EV future.

“The North East is a manufacturing region and there could not be a better place for MTC Training to be opening a new college to help meet our demand for new skills.”