The North East is at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, with global businesses such as Nissan, Lockheed Martin and AESC investing in the region. But as technologies evolve, so must the skills that keep the industry competitive.
From engineering and technical education to apprenticeships and bespoke employer training, developing the right workforce is essential to unlocking the region’s potential!
That’s where AMTEC comes in.
As one of only four colleges in England awarded Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College status, New College Durham is helping connect employers, educators and industry expertise to build the skills businesses need now and in the future.
Bridging the advanced manufacturing skills gap
Electrification, automation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming manufacturing. Employers need people with the right technical skills, but recruiting talent and releasing existing staff for training can be challenging, particularly for SMEs.
AMTEC will help address these challenges by bringing education and industry closer together. Building on New College Durham’s work with employers and its role in the North East Institute of Technology, the initiative will help identify skills gaps and shape training around real industry needs.
The focus is on understanding what businesses need today, while anticipating workforce requirements over the next one, three and five years.
Training that works for business
From recruiting new talent to upskilling existing employees, AMTEC will connect employers with relevant training, apprenticeships and specialist expertise across its network.
Flexibility is key. Training must fit around production schedules and operational demands, with options such as alternative delivery times, rotational release and evening or weekend provision explored where appropriate.
By working directly with employers, New College Durham can help develop practical solutions that support productivity, workforce development and long-term growth.
Businesses can also explore the College’s Training and Skills Development service for support with workforce skills and training needs.
Building expertise through collaboration
AMTEC brings together education partners to share specialist resources, teaching expertise and best practice. This will help strengthen training provision, support staff development and improve access to the technical knowledge employers need.
It also builds on the College’s existing work with manufacturers and engineering businesses, including initiatives to shape the future of advanced manufacturing skills.
By connecting industry insight with education, AMTEC will help ensure training keeps pace with new technologies and changing workforce requirements.
Preparing for future growth
The demand for advanced manufacturing skills is growing. Analysis by Skills England and the Department for Business and Trade projected 13% growth in priority advanced manufacturing occupations by 2035, with national demand estimated at 148,000 workers when expected workforce departures are included.
AMTEC will help strengthen the pipeline of skilled people entering the sector, while creating opportunities for existing employees to progress, retrain and adapt to emerging technologies.
For employers, this means better access to relevant skills and a workforce equipped to respond to change.
Turning skills into a competitive advantage
The North East has the industrial expertise and ambition to lead the next generation of advanced manufacturing. AMTEC will help turn that potential into progress by connecting businesses with the people, training and expertise they need to innovate and grow.
By working together, education and industry can build a stronger talent pipeline, support investment and secure the region’s position in nationally and globally significant industries.
Find out more about AMTEC at New College Durham or explore our employer training and skills support.