Plans for new training hub take a step forward
NORTHUMBERLAND County Council’s cabinet has approved an outline business case that will bring cutting-edge training tech to Blyth.
The £1.5m investment into a technical training kit is part of the Energising Blyth programme, with the equipment to be based at the Energy Central Hub.
The new science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) training facility is set to welcome students for the first time in September. It is the first part of the two-phase energy central campus, which is described as a “transformational” development to support the growing low carbon energy sector in Blyth.
Speaking at a meeting of the council’s cabinet, portfolio holder for business Coun Wojciech Ploszaj said: “The learning hub will provide local young people a route to highquality jobs in their neighbourhood.
“This kit will include hardware, machinery and other specialist hightech equipment that will be needed to deliver the curriculum when the hub opens in September.”
The council’s cabinet member for education, Guy Renner-Thompson, hoped that the facility would help to stop young people leaving their homes to find work.
The councillor, who is also the Conservative candidate for the North East mayoral election, also made reference to the Royal Navy’s “Made in Blyth” advert.
He said: “This is the next stage of an already fantastic project. The energy central learning hub is a partnership between the council, local schools and businesses.
“It is for the young people of Blyth and the surrounding area. It could be absolutely transformational.
“We need to get the message out there that they don’t have leave their home towns to get a well-paid job.
“Never mind ‘Born in Blyth, made in the Royal Navy’ – born in Blyth, made in Blyth. We know that Blyth and the North Sea has a great future in green energy.”