For a number of years the Government have been disturbed by the lack of specialised training facilities available to meet the needs of industry. The shortage seriously undermined the Governments long term plans to redress skill shortages and so in 2001 the Government announced its intention to establish Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE). These were to be training organisations which would have the facilities, skills, experience and range of provision to deliver training and learning to a specific occupational sector. CoVE is a National initiative funded by the Learning and Skills Council. It plays a vital role in the LSC's drive to create a workforce that matches the best in the world by 2010 and will focus on meeting employers' skills needs in priority areas.

NETA is a vocational training provider that has extended and maintained practical training facilities whilst many have moved away from such resources.

Initially short listed as one of only 14 non FE Colleges, we were delighted to hear that our development plan has been accepted and have been confirmed as the first CoVE centre for Engineering Construction.

The development plan put forward by NETA detailed positive steps to invest in staff and equipment resources necessary to further develop specific expertise and act as a central focus for the collection and dissemination of knowledge, skills and good practice. One of the major developments focused in our plan was to establish learning resources for personnel operating on decommissioning projects. A significant number of power plants are due to be decommissioned and we have, for some time, been involved with working parties set up to identify the skills and knowledge requirements of this emerging industry.

NETA sanction a capital budget each year to replace and update existing equipment and to purchase and establish new resources, which meet the changing needs of industry. By achieving Centre of Excellence status we have attracted £500,000 of additional support (capital and revenue) from the LSC over 3 years, which will enable us to increase and improve the range of resources and equipment required by the engineering construction and related industries.

The Engineering Construction Industry has experienced a major refocusing of its activity in recent years, which has created the need for key operational and cultural change. NETA will be working with the sector to identify the effects of such change and develop solutions and good practice to produce the skills and knowledge necessary for the future.

Chief Executive Frank Ramsay said, "We're talking to industry all the time and as the industrial climate changes, then so does the choice we can offer. We have close working relationship with employers and partnership organisations. Our proactive approach in terms of new innovative training often brings to the area courses previously unavailable to the local workforce. We want to build on that and this is the next step".

 

TRAINING EXCELLENCE IS NETA'S STRENGTH

NETA was able to demonstrate the value a Centre of Vocational Excellence can bring to Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Rt Hon Charles Clarke MP, during his recent visit to the Tees Valley.

Following his tour of NETA's facilities the Rt. Hon Charles Clarke MP remarked on the importance of establishments like NETA Training and said:

"NETA has the drive needed to increase the skills of local people. In turn this will work to reduce the skills issues faced, not only in the North East, but also across England. The facilities and opportunities NETA Training already offers are immense.

"It is key to economic growth that organisations can be more flexible in their approach to delivering the skills needed for a more competitive UK. Being a Centre of Vocational Excellence has certainly brought this advantage to NETA Training".

In response Frank Ramsay, NETA's Chief Executive, said:

"When we are talking to companies, we find out what they want and try to provide a standard, nationally accredited course which meets their needs, or create bespoke products/training just for them."

"We specialise in practical hands-on training and all of our training simulates a real working environment, using the same equipment that is used in the different industries."

"Being able to bring Secretary of State Charles Clarke to NETA is tremendous as we can demonstrate what the Learning and Skills Councils investment can mean to our organisation. We have superb facilities that we will be able to build upon with the investment we have. This means even more research pinpointing the needs of employers and huge advantages for local companies and learners".

"It is a very exciting time for NETA and the future for us is about expanding in all areas to meet these needs with the help of our key partners in the area, like Hartlepool College of Further Education, Stockton Adult Education Service and the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley."

Pam Eccles, executive director of the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley added to Frank Ramsay's comments:

"Inviting the Secretary of State, Rt. Hon Charles Clarke MP to the Tees Valley was hugely important to the Learning and Skills Council and NETA Training."

"Regional executive director's and chairs of the Learning and Skills Council were able to discuss the progress we are making as a region toward addressing the skills issues we face. How we are working in collaboration to address these issues was of significant importance to the Secretary of State."

For NETA, the visit was very significant as being a Centre of Vocational Excellence brings huge advantages. We were able to demonstrate the links between the needs of local employers and how the Centre of Vocational Excellence will address their needs.