Partner Article

bdaily goes behind the scenes of The TTE Technical Training Group with MD Steve Grant

The TTE Technical Training Group is the UK’s leading technical training provider to the oil and gas, process, manufacturing and engineering sectors.

TTE is a charity having a ‘not-for-profit’ status with its surpluses re-invested in the development of its innovative programmes and facilities.

TTE, which offers training and consultancy services, is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. Its business comprises apprentice, technician and graduate skills development, design and operation of technical training centres, training consultancy services and operations, maintenance and safety short courses.

Managing Director Steve Grant answers bdaily’s questions:

What key challenges has your company recently faced?

In this difficult economic climate, we have worked hard to engage with industrial employers to support apprenticeships and look at the continual upskilling of their existing workforce.

It can be difficult to get companies to look too far ahead in the future when they are operating in tough markets, but major developments, such as SSI’s investment in the Redcar steel plant and the success of Cleveland Potash, demonstrates that there is a future for industry on Teesside, and across the wider North East, and having a workforce with the right skills and competencies is essential.

What is your biggest achievement over the past 12 months?

Our biggest achievement has been to continue to train 650 young people in process and engineering apprenticeships safely and effectively, which will give them a route into a fulfilling, skilled and long term career.

In addition, we reached a 90 percent achievement rate for the trainees completing their apprenticeship frameworks and securing employment, which is much higher than the national average of circa 60%.

Alongside this achievement, we have continued to upskill UK and international technicians in challenging economic times.

What is your biggest focus for the coming year?

We are currently consolidating our operations onto one site at South Bank in Middlesbrough as part of a refocusing of the business. A major part of this is a focus on customer service and employer engagement. The support we provide our apprentices also remains a major consideration, especially with the pressures of modern society and all that comes with being a young person in 2011. As a social enterprise we are more than a business. TTE gives people a start in life by giving them the skills to have a positive effect on their own lives and their community. This is not just in terms of career skills, but life and interpersonal skills that will benefit them in and out of the workplace.

If you had to choose one top piece of advice for someone just starting out in business, or is currently operating within your industry sector, what would it be?

To paraphrase a hero of mine, former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly, “You must believe that you are the best and then make sure that you are” That way you create demand and delight the customer.

Can you share with us your view of the current landscape of business, in this region or generally and where your organisation sits within it?

There is a lot to be positive about on Teesside and elsewhere around the North East. Along with SSI, developments including TAG Energy Solutions new facility in Billingham and the progress being made by PD Ports to attract industry to the North East demonstrate the type of growth and investment that are benefitting the region.

The emergence of new energy resources including offshore renewables and biofuels will also have a positive impact on the North East. TTE is perfectly placed to serve these as the skills we deliver are transferable and can help the North East be a magnet for companies looking to invest in the region.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jonny Marshall .