£14.7m Thornaby engineering hub opens, boosting local skills
A new £14.7 million engineering training center in Thornaby, Teesside, is set to open its doors to students, marking a significant milestone as NETA Training receives the keys to its purpose-built facility on Princeton Drive. The center will offer vocational courses in welding, fabrication, electrical and mechanical skills, pipefitting, and domestic and commercial gas engineering, catering to both individuals and employers seeking to upskill their workforces.
State-of-the-art facility to boost local skills
Located on Princeton Drive, next to Stockton Riverside College, the center is part of a wider investment through the Thornaby Town Deal. It received £4.57 million in funding from this initiative, with additional support from the Department for Education and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. This partnership, delivered in collaboration with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, shows a collective commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and opportunities.
The center is expected to play a key role in upskilling the local workforce and attracting further investment to the area. Councillor Paul Rowling, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s cabinet member for resources and regeneration, described it as a “transformational” project that will equip people with the skills needed for “meaningful, quality employment.” He emphasized its potential to create lasting change in Thornaby and beyond.
Focus on clean energy and industry partnerships
NETA, part of the Education Training Collective, works closely with employers to address skills gaps, particularly in the growing field of clean energy. The new center will complement its existing facilities in Stockton and Redcar, further solidifying its role in meeting industry demands. By focusing on practical, industry-relevant training, NETA aims to bridge the gap between education and employment.
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The Thornaby center’s development reflects a collaborative effort, with Britcon delivering the project as a flagship regional achievement. The building’s design and construction were recognized with a shortlist nomination for Construction Project of the Year at the 2026 Procure Partnerships Framework National Project Excellence Awards. This accolade highlights the project’s innovative approach and its impact on the region.
A new chapter for NETA
Karl Johnson, NETA’s director, expressed enthusiasm about the center’s completion, stating, “It is incredible to see the building complete and finally be able to make preparations for the start of the exciting transition of NETA staff, delegates, and learners from our Pennine Avenue site.” He emphasized the opportunity to create a space that reflects NETA’s unique character and history, adding, “Now we get to make the building our own.” Johnson also highlighted the years of planning and months of development that have culminated in this achievement.
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