New engineering hub opens in the Borders
A new training centre for Engineering and Modern Apprenticeships has been opened in Tweedbank by the Borders Technical Training Association Ltd (BTTA).
The 1600 sq ft centre has been purpose-built to provide leading edge training for Modern Apprentices as well as for industrial and manufacturing companies in the Borders. There is one large classroom, as well as workstations equipped with latest welding, lathes and electrical circuit training equipment.
In development for over a year, the centre represents a £160K investment by the BTTA and a SOSE grant of £10.8K.
BTTA Group Training Director, Russell Coleman, said: “We wanted to provide the very best training facilities available anywhere in the UK to Borders companies and apprentices. There is an enormous resurgence of interest in apprenticeships as young people turn their back on universities due to high levels of student debt and diminishing career prospects. A recent survey revealed that almost half of young people believe learning a trade is a quicker route to earning £120K than going to university. Moreover, AI is taking away many traditional career paths whereas physical jobs such as a plumber, engineer, welder or joiner look set to thrive in the new economy.”
“We are very grateful to Rachael Hamilton MSP and John Lamont MP who have taken time out of their busy schedules to celebrate our opening event. We are also delighted that so many of our associate employer clients, Modern Apprentices, stakeholders and partners have been able to come along today and see the facilities first hand. Any businesses or individuals who feel they may benefit from first class engineering training are welcome to contact me for a tour.”
Chairman Graham Wilson, added: “Its been a long-time vision of BTTA to have our own training facilities in the Borders. The training workshop will allow us not only complement the foundation training given by the local colleges, but further develop our modern apprentices with bespoke skills training. These will be available to all companies across the region and further afield
“As BTTA celebrates its 60th anniversary next year, this facility will set us up for many successful years to come.”