NEWS
Award-winning former apprentice Daniel Thompson with TTE ’ s training and operations manager John Cooke
T he skills fuelling some of Teesside ’ s biggest businesses are being engineered at TTE .
Part of Middlesbrough
College Group , the expert training provider delivers apprenticeship training across a range of specialised engineering disciplines including mechanical , electrical , instrumentation , process , wind energy and laboratory programmes .
Former TTE apprentice Daniel Thompson knows all about the importance of apprenticeships , and why they ’ re a great route into work for young people .
The 28-year-old from Acklam started his journey at TTE back in 2009 and went on to secure an advanced level mechanical engineering apprenticeship with Alpek Polyester ( then known as Lotte Chemical ).
Having completed the course in just 10 out of the 24 months allocated , Daniel was recognised as NEPIC ’ s Apprentice of the Year in 2013 – praised for his competency , work ethic and ambition .
Daniel ’ s time at TTE laid the foundations for an exciting future in the industry , and he has since forged an impressive career with industry-leading engineering firms across the region .
He said : “ Living on Teesside , you only have to look around to see how much industrial heritage there is here .
“ I was always fascinated by how things work , particularly in mechanical engineering , so studying the subject seemed like the natural route .
“ TTE had – and still has – a great reputation thanks to its impressive
Engineering the skills Teesside businesses need
facilities and expert tutors . I knew if I was going to study engineering and have a successful career , I had to learn from the best – people who ’ ve been in the field for years and can share their specialist knowledge .”
With an apprenticeship under his belt , Daniel secured a full-time role as a mechanical maintenance technician and went on to acquire a HNC in Mechanical Engineering . His achievements , coupled with his impressive attitude and drive , led to him securing a two-week placement to study robotics and automation in America .
Upon his return , Daniel earned a sought-after scholarship to study a bachelor ’ s degree before taking on a role at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies and then later at Huntsman Polyurethanes .
Alongside his current role as a mechanical engineer at Koch Technology Solutions , Daniel is studying for a master ’ s degree and hopes to apply for charted status upon completion .
Most recently , he was recognised by NEPIC once again for his outstanding talent in the commodity and petrochemicals sector and was awarded Young Achiever of the Year .
Upon donating his prize money of £ 1,000 to support current TTE apprentices , Daniel praised the training provider for helping kickstart his dream career .
“ I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunities I have and as a former apprentice I know how difficult it can be starting out in the industry .
“ The pandemic has put even more pressure on apprentices and I know TTE will use this donation to support those who need it most .
“ Choosing to study at TTE was the best decision I ever made . Without the training I received there , I wouldn ’ t be in the position I am and I hope this fund will go towards helping others follow in my footsteps .”
It ’ s not just students like Daniel who are full of praise for TTE .
A recent Ofsted monitoring visit of the training provider marked out TTE ’ s work with prestigious , multinational employers to deliver high-quality engineering skills where there are shortages .
Inspectors said “ highly trained staff who are experts in the subjects they teach ” work with apprentices to meet the exact needs of employers and instil pride in their work .
The report noted that skills coming from TTE underpin much of the widespread regeneration that has generated such momentum across Teesside and the surrounding area .
Since its acquisition of internationallyrenowned TTE back in 2020 , Middlesbrough College has extended its apprenticeship provision significantly – and is now leading the country in engineering .
To find out how your business could benefit from the apprenticeships delivered at TTE , call 01642 462266 or visit tte . co . uk
The voice of business in the Tees region | 109