Stockport Training Engineering Association (SETA) has invested a ‘six-figure sum’ to upgrade its IT system.
The funding package has come from the Royal Bank of Scotland to improve the Learning and Skills Academy, create a confined Space Training Area and expand the car park facilities.
This year SETA, housed on Whitehall Industrial Site, is celebrating 50 years of providing technical and safety training to the public and private sectors, both in the UK and overseas.
Russell Prince, Chief Executive at SETA, said: “SETA has evolved over the years and is now becoming a one-stop shop in Greater Manchester and beyond for apprenticeships and also for individuals looking to train or re-train in the engineering industry.
“We are always looking to attract more apprenticeship applicants and I am confident with the investment made in upgrading our Learning and Skills Academy, this will help us improve both learner numbers and requests from clients to provide engineering technical skills training.”
SETA’s main market has been split into three areas – apprenticeships, technical training (engineering) for adults, and health and safety training and consultancy.
SETA has also added a range of BTEC National Certificates in both mechanical and electrical engineering in the last three years and from September 2016 will also be offering the BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in both mechanical and electrical engineering to complement their apprentices vocational training.
Royal Bank of Scotland’s latest investment is helping SETA to boost Learner numbers and introduce a number of new courses.
SETA new investment featured in the news.
Russell added: “This year we have recruited a total of 82 apprenticeships for a large number of multinational companies, many of them household names, in a range of industries, which include engineering, construction, manufacturing, food, rail infrastructure and also a large number of small engineering companies from around Greater Manchester.
“We were awarded a contract last year with one of the leading commercial vehicle body and trailer manufacturers, which is testament to the training we provide for our clients.
“With all the changes under way, it’s an exciting time for us all here at SETA and the local community.”
SETA employs 39 staff, which is set to grow by three additional lecturer roles as they take on more learners.
Robert Taylor, Relationship Director at Royal Bank of Scotland, added: “We have supported SETA and its management team since its inception as far back as 1966. It is really rewarding to see a local customer growing and investing in its future.
“We wish Russell and his senior team all the best with the changes they are making to their Learning and Skills Academy and the benefits this will bring long-term to both SETA and the local community.”