Celebrating the achievements shaping tomorrow’s Britain

TDR Training will proudly host one of the North East’s most anticipated events in education and industry on Thursday, October 16 – the TDR Trust Apprenticeship Awards.

Held at the heart of the region’s innovation hub, the evening will honour the exceptional achievements of apprentices and employers across engineering, manufacturing, science and business.

As the UK faces a critical skills shortage in technical and industrial sectors, events like these are more than just a celebration – they are a call to action.

The awards spotlight the individuals and organisations driving progress, resilience and renewal in our economy.

From Technical Apprentice of the Year to Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships, each category reflects the dedication of a region determined to grow its talent pool and industrial legacy.

TDR Training, a cornerstone of the North East’s training landscape, has a proud history dating back to 1882 when William Doxford laid the foundations for engineering excellence.

Today, under the leadership of chief executive Li Xue, it continues to evolve, offering cutting-edge facilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, CNC machining, welding, fabrication, maintenance and more, all housed at a fully-integrated centre on North Tyneside’s Quorum Business Park.

At a time when the UK must rebuild its industrial strength, TDR stands as a beacon of hope and action.

The North East has long been a powerhouse of engineering talent, and TDR’s commitment to inclusivity, opportunity and excellence ensures that tradition continues.

Chair Olivia Grant says: “Apprentices can become highly-qualified engineers – a skill and role that enables long-term growth and vital opportunities.”

The UK’s future depends on its ability to train, retain and empower the next generation of engineers, scientists and innovators.

With global competition intensifying and technological change accelerating, we must invest in people.

TDR’s motto – By Science, Industry and Honour – is not just a tradition, it’s a promise to the region and the nation.

As the Apprenticeship Awards approach, TDR Training invites the community, industry leaders and policymakers to join the celebrations of achievements that will shape tomorrow’s Britain.

Together, we can make the country good again by training more people, honouring our industrial heritage and building a future rooted in skill, pride and purpose.

GeoPura

Our partnership with TDR plays an important role in developing the next generation of engineers for the hydrogen sector, who gain hands-on experience in mechanical, electrical and control systems.

They go on to work at our manufacturing base in collaboration with Siemens Energy in Newcastle, at our hydrogen production sites in the Midlands, or operate our hydrogen power units across the UK.

They play a direct role in supporting the UK’s net-zero ambitions.

Derek Bulmer, chief financial officer

 

CMP

As a market-leading designer and manufacturer of cable glands, cable cleats and accessories, our international reputation for quality and reliability is underpinned by our commitment to developing talent and investing in the future.

Supporting the TDR Trust Apprenticeship Awards is a natural extension of this commitment.

TDR has been a valued partner in guiding our apprentices through their training, with many going on to become integral members of our team.

Vince Patterson, chief executive

 

Trinity Precision

Engineering apprentices are a vital pathway towards the country’s prosperity, and we do everything possible to support them to achieve their full potential.

Most apprentices are coming straight from educational institutions, which is not an easy task for them, and we needed a partner to help us with their transformation.

We chose TDR due to its leadership in the field.

Understanding the need to develop and retain new talent is why we believe in supporting the TDR Trust Apprenticeship Awards 2025.

Vickie Henderson, financial director

Purmo Group (UK)

We have a very strong commitment to learning and development, and a key part of this is supporting apprentices in the North East.

We have worked with TDR for many years and recruited some excellent young people, many of whom stay with the business for long periods of time and work their way upwards.

We are delighted to support the TDR Trust Apprenticeship Awards.

Helen Duke, HR manager

 

Smulders

Our mission is to ensure we continue to support and develop new skills and talent, and we believe that begins by investing in diverse and skilled individuals.

Supporting these awards is part of our commitment to empowering the next generation.

We’re inspired by the work TDR Trust does to build strong futures through apprenticeships and are honoured to play a part in recognising outstanding apprentices across the UK.

Amanda Young, HR manager, Smulders Projects UK

 

UK Docks

We pride ourselves on being a family business, and that is one of the reasons why we are so keen to support the TDR Trust Apprenticeship Awards.

As a company, we know how nice it is to receive recognition.

But it’s perhaps most important for the younger generation to be noticed and encouraged, because they’re the future of so many of the region’s businesses.

Gary Wilson, director

 

TDR

For more information about TDR Training, its curriculum and its trust model, visit www.tdrtraining.co.uk.