A LEADING training provider has announced the appointment of a new chief executive, in an effort to create more careers in the manufacturing and engineering field.
With over 30 years’ experience in the further education sector, Trevor Alley joins South West Durham Training Ltd, a 47 year old company in Newton Aycliffe specialising in training courses for the engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Previously curriculum development manager at Bishop Auckland College, Mr Alley replaces Charl Erasmus, who left the company in August, last year.
Mr Alley, who is married with two children, said his new role represented an opportunity for him to ensure South West Durham Training continues to play a leading role in future proofing key sectors, cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most successful specialist training providers.
Mr Alley said: “It’s an opportune time to be joining South West Durham Training as the Government and key leaders form a united approach to safeguard the manufacturing and engineering industry.”
Born in Swindon, Mr Alley decided to move into the engineering industry after completing his A Levels and became an apprentice toolmaker at R A Lister and company. He later studied for a Maths degree, and a master’s degree in Manufacturing Systems engineering.
He has since held director positions at a number of educational establishments, including City of Sunderland College and Darlington College and is currently working as a part time Ofsted inspector, examining colleges and work based learning providers’ engineering facilities in the region.
Mr Alley added: “I am confident in the reputation that South West Durham Training has built with both education and industry and have had the pleasure of being able to see first-hand the highly skilled pool of apprentices being trained at the centre in order to match major manufacturing and engineering companies’ supply-chain requirements”.
“I believe that my experience in the further education sector and as an Ofsted inspector will provide a firm foundation for further improvement and development of the business and I’m committed to playing an important role in developing the North East’s skills base in manufacturing and engineering”.
South West Durham Training recently celebrated its highest ever apprenticeship success rates which at 85 per cent are 12 per cent above the national average.
Mr Alley said: “I believe that there is a genuine opportunity for us to continue to drive forward growth in this area and I have a duty to ensure all facilities at the centre are maximised to attract even more people to pursue a career in the field, ensuring that engineering and manufacturing is at the forefront of the region’s economy in the future.
“The recent news surrounding the rejected proposal for a university technical college (UTC) in Newton Aycliffe was disappointing, but we are confident that South West Durham Training can help to ensure that the needs of employers in the region continue to be fully met.”
South West Durham Training, which delivers apprenticeships and training for clients including Tata Global Beverages, Tacle Seating and Nifco UK Ltd, has been operating from the same site since 1967, offering apprenticeships and training courses in manufacturing and engineering disciplines.
For more information about S.W. Durham Training Ltd, visit www.southwestdurham.co.uk or call Kate Chapman – business development manager on 01325 328170 or Trevor Alley, chief executive officer on 01325 328160.
