Stockton’s Total Solutions launches new facility to boost skills training

A multi-purpose training centre has been launched to bolster workers’ skills in the construction, energy and process sectors.

Total Solutions has opened the facility on Stockton’s Arkgrove Industrial Estate.

The company, a provider of rope access services to several sectors, said the centre will create pathways to work for young people leaving education, the unemployed and adults seeking new opportunities.

Bosses said it has been designed with unique steel structures and is built on more than 35 years’ industry experience to deliver unique training courses, including rope access, fire awareness, working at height rescue and oil and chemical spillage management.

They added the firm, which has achieved more than 30 per cent revenue growth year-on-year, has already secured several partnerships with commercial organisations and education institutions to support the training centre’s aims.

The facility was made possible through support provided by the Tees Valley Business Compass, which helped Total Solutions secure funding.

Mick Flaherty, Total Solutions’ managing director, said: “We are delighted to have launched our training centre, which will continue to support the up-skilling of people in multiple sectors and many supply chain companies.

“We are grateful to the Tees Valley Business Compass for its continued support, which has allowed us to proceed with this enterprise a lot earlier than expected.

“The company is committed to supporting the technical training of people in the Tees Valley and beyond, which will hopefully contribute significant gains to the local economies and provide people with the skills for successful careers in industry.”

In addition to support from the Tees Valley Business Compass, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has also endorsed Total Solutions’ work.

He added: “Total Solutions has gone from strength-to-strength and I’m delighted Business Compass has been able to help them make this impressive training centre a reality.

“The Tees Valley is well positioned to become a UK powerhouse for clean energy and offshore wind and has a history of excellence in petrochemicals and construction, all sectors served by Total Solutions.

“This facility can help our residents on their way to good quality jobs linked to the sectors of tomorrow.”

Established in 2008 by Mick and Kevin McAskill, who between them have more than 60 years’ rope access experience, Total Solutions is a full member of the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) and accredited to several quality standards.