Thursday, 20 April 2023

Northumberland-based Initiative for Workforce Development Gains Support from Major Regional Employer

Pictured: Kate Temple–Brown (left) and Michaela Reaney (right) from The Opportunity Global with Richard Dodd, CEO, British Engines (centre)

CMP Products, part of the British Engines Group, has recently engaged in a new initiative aimed at developing the workforce for Northumberland’s future.

‘The 21st Century Workforce for Northumberland’ programme, funded by The Royal Academy of Engineering and supported by Northumberland County Council, seeks to address employability, education, equity, and opportunity by delivering training in collaboration with employers from across the Northumberland County.

To kick off the second cohort of the demonstrator project, CMP hosted an Essentials Management course delivered by The Opportunity Global, which was attended by 16 individuals from 12 key employers in the region, including CMP.

The North East is a vital region for growth, having recently seen a flurry of investment in key sectors, including those in which CMP operates. The company employs over 450 people at its three sites in Cramlington and recognises that engaging and addressing skills gaps is crucial not only to drive the business forward but also to attract and retain top talent.

Richard Dodd, CEO of The British Engines Group, explained the importance of the company’s involvement in the initiative, saying:

“Our group employs over 1,000 people in the North East across eight businesses and as a key employer in the North East looking to grow, we have a responsibility to address the challenges faced by employers in developing our current and future workforce. When we learnt about the ‘21st Century Workforce for Northumberland’ programme, we knew it was vitally important to become involved.

“Our involvement in this initiative, through hosting training as well as enlisting employees on these sessions, demonstrates our dedication to the community, the industry, and the future of the region.”

Special thanks to steering group of the initiative:

Brian Palmer, Founder Tharsus, Chair of Steering Group. Audrey Kingham, Executive Director of Children, Young People and Education. Ian Ritchey, Fellow, Royal Academy of Engineering. Caroline Theobald CBE, Founder, Bridge Club Ltd. Gill Courtney, Managing Director, STONELEA.