TTE engineering the skills Teesside businesses need 

The skills fuelling some of Teesside’s biggest businesses are being engineered at TTE Technical. 
 
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, Middlesbrough, 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 in 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 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 kick-start his dream career.  
He added: “I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunities I have so far in my career and as a former apprentice myself, I know how difficult it can be starting out in the industry.  
 
“The pandemic has put even more pressure on apprentices and so 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 today– 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, multi-national employers to deliver high quality engineering skills where there are shortages. 
 
Inspectors said that “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 – part of the Middlesbrough College Group – underpin much of the widespread regeneration that has generated such momentum across Teesside and surrounding area.   
 
Since its acquisition of internationally-renowned TTE Technical UK 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 the TTE website here.