North East training facility integrated into the TTE Technical Institute

The TTE Technical Institute has rebranded its County Durham training facility, following its acquisition last year, as part of the continued growth of its portfolio of services to industry.

The Peterlee based facility, formerly Infinite Learning and Development (ILD), which includes the Weld Academy, was acquired by TTE in July 2018 and has been integrated into the organisation in recent months, culminating in its rebranding.

As part of the development of the facility TTE has recruited experienced training professional Andy Buckworth to lead the centre. Andy, who previously spent 22 years at TTE, returns to the organisation with an exceptional pedigree for the operation of specialist training facilities.

He was integral to the success of TTE’s centre in Azerbaijan, which trained BP personnel for the oil & gas industry.  Prior to re-joining TTE, Andy also helped to establish a college-based facility on Teesside and was head of a technical training academy in Aberdeen.

TTE’s Peterlee facility specialises in fabrication & welding and business improvement techniques in addition to a specialism in Simulated Working Environments for businesses across the UK including Caterpillar, Asda and Warburton’s.

Caterpillar’s human resources manager for its Peterlee operation, Chris Fairs, unveiled the training centre’s new look as part of the TTE Technical Institute at an event, which also showcased the facility’s Simulated Working Environment (SWE) to visitors.

More than 7,000 delegates have been trained on the SWE in the past five years from a wide diversity of industries and organisations such as SABIC, GSK, Siemens, Volvo, KP Foods and Barbour.

Utilising Caterpillar production system methodologies, focusing on people, quality, velocity and cost, the SWE provides a realistic, industry-focused working environment that enables agile teams to become more productive, improve quality and minimise safety issues with people at the core.

Steve Grant, managing director of the TTE Technical Institute, said: “By being recognised as the TTE Technical Institute, this centre can build upon our established global reputation to support a growing cohort of industry customers.

“We are pleased with the rapid integration of our Peterlee facility, which further strengthens our offering to UK and international industry and is enabling TTE to work with such respected international organisations like Caterpillar.”

Andy Buckworth, centre manager for the TTE Technical Institute in Peterlee, said: “I am very proud to return to TTE as Centre Manager of this facility, helping to develop its capabilities, and enhance our relationships with industry.  We are delighted that Caterpillar’s Chris Fairs was able to unveil the centre’s new branding and I am looking forward to working closely with him and his team in the future.”

Christopher Fairs, human resources manager at Caterpillar – Peterlee, said: “We are delighted that TTE has acquired the Weld Academy and look forward to working with them in delivering technical training to people from around the region.

“Since the Weld Academy was launched in 2012, we have trained to a recognised standard over 100 young people in welding and fabrication. These skills are in high demand across our business and the region, and TTE is a strong partner as we continue to grow this important talent pipeline.”