North East engineering group, British Engines has donated £100,000 to training provider, TDR, to boost STEM training in the region.
The generous donation from British Engines will go towards an estimated £300,000 required by TDR to achieve its current development plan.
TDR is the main provider of the award-winning British Engines Apprenticeship+ scheme. Recognised by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the scheme offers enhanced additional training with extra vocational and classroom experience.
The investment will improve and consolidate TDR’s training facilities including the development of a STEM conference centre for North East employers, as well as further support to charitable trust school programmes to engage young people in STEM activities.
Alan Wilson, Chief Executive at TDR Training, said: “This is an incredible donation and I am very grateful to British Engines for their continued support of TDR. We are immensely proud to provide training and apprenticeships to British Engines, having worked with them for many years, helping to develop not only their apprenticeship scheme, but also supporting their management team with career development.”
“This donation will support our future plans to ensure TDR delivers STEM training to the needs of the North East workforce, ensuring we are at the forefront of technology and achieving our charitable objectives and social values.
“The North East is home to many successful businesses and investment into the region is on the rise. As a training organisation set up to deliver to the needs of the area, we must work closely with local employers to ensure those objectives are achieved.”
TDR is a people focussed charitable trust supported by wholly owned training subsidiary, TDR Training. The organisation offers apprenticeships in science, engineering, manufacturing and business administration.
Since its inception in 1998, TDR has trained over 5,000 apprentices including around 400 for the British Engines Group.
Ron Dodd MBE, Consultant (Engineering) at British Engines, said: “Whilst I was a Managing Director of British Engines in 1998, I, along with many others from industry, commerce and academia formed TDR under a Tyneside TEC Initiative.
“Initially set up due to a lack of skilled engineers and scientists, TDR has made a significant impact promoting engineering and science by mentoring students and adults, providing scholarships and running schools programmes.
“In line with TDR’s strategy of continuous improvement, this major investment is essential to keep ahead of the growing demands for a committed and skilled workforce at all levels.
“British Engines has many skilled engineers of all levels from the shop floor to senior management who were TDR trainees. The group has made this donation towards the new development in order to support the future success of TDR.”
The British Engines group will celebrate its centenary year in 2022, a milestone that the business says is a tribute to its employees, past and present, in ensuring the business has and will continue to prosper in the future.
Find out more about the British Engines group companies.