Skills, training and innovation
As one of the UK’s largest Trust Ports, the Port of Blyth has taken a leading role in port-related skills development across the UK. As part of this initiative, the Port boasts a highly compliant and competent workforce that has been the driving force behind recent success.
The Port’s in-house training division, Port Training Services (PTS), has played a key role in this success, taking a leading role in the advancement of both port & marine and renewables-related apprenticeship opportunities and through significant partnerships with education establishments has made great strides in developing solutions to the skills challenges facing the sectors. With safety and competence at its heart, PTS has worked tirelessly with national accrediting bodies and industry associations to develop and deliver a range of national vocational qualifications and apprenticeship standards.
Originally conceived to ensure the Port’s own staff were trained with the necessary skills, qualifications, and competency to deliver the Port’s services both safely and effectively. By utilising the vocational qualification criteria, it allowed staff to develop their overall skills and knowledge in plant training, safety, security, environment, and general well-being. Passionate about improving safety and developing a highly skilled workforce of the future, PTS also provides industry-leading services to employees of other ports, all around the UK, from the north of Scotland to the south coast of England. In particular, PTS has become the UK’s largest training provider of port operatives and port supervisor vocational and apprenticeship qualifications, equipping over 650 learners with the knowledge, skills and competency to excel in their roles at the port, and providing them with opportunities to further their careers in the maritime sector.
PTS has made great strides in developing solutions to the skills challenges facing the clean energy sector, in September 2021, Port Training Services officially launched its unique Wind Turbine Training Facility complete with a full-sized, specially modified wind turbine aimed at providing unique, high-quality training opportunities to the renewables industry, training the offshore wind technicians of the future. The facility has provided a practical environment for training individuals interested in working in the offshore wind industry.
The Port of Blyth and PTS have been instrumental in the development of the Energy Central Campus project, made up of two education, training and skills facilities focusing on STEM education, sector-led training and R&D to further support growth in the clean energy sector in Blyth and the wider North East. Developed to further address the skills gap in the rapidly growing maritime and clean energy sector, the Port of Blyth formed a unique partnership together with the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Northumberland Council, called the Energy Central Campus (ECC). ECC is a transformational, business-led, two-phase skills, education and innovation development project supporting growth in the clean energy and maritime sectors in the Northeast of England. Port Chief Executive, Martin Lawlor, is the first Chair of this important initiative which will equip young people and adults with the skills needed to take up careers in the sector and enable businesses to grow through access to a skilled workforce.
The first phase, Energy Central Learning Hub, is a new STEM education and vocational training facility, developing energy sector skills and aspirations among young people at school and college, and adults re-training for new roles. The facility which is currently under construction at the former Port Training Centre at the Port of Blyth, will house specialist electrical and mechanical workshops, classrooms, major regional STEM hub (STEM@EnergyCentral), digital skills training facilities, an immersive Clean Energy Visitor Centre and conferencing and events space for up to 250 people. It will also be home to Bede Academy’s T-Levels in Engineering and Digital Processing and Northumberland Skills Advanced Manufacturing Engineering qualification.
The second phase, Energy Central Institute, is a new higher-level skills and innovation facility, developing energy sector expertise at degree and PhD levels. Creating a focal point for collaboration between energy businesses, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, and Northeast universities, it will develop higher-level skills and technological innovations to keep the region at the forefront of energy sector growth. Facilities will include state-of-the-art research labs and lecture theatre.
Port of Blyth and PTS have been dedicated to the advancement of STEM activity for over 10 year, as the accountable body and host (at the Port Training Centre) of STEM@ENERGY CENTRAL which interacts with more than 2000 school children each year, educating them on offshore energy and the rise of renewables.
PTS and the Port of Blyth puts training and skills at the heart of everything that it does, which is acknowledged by our workforce, customers, regional and national partners. PTS’ influence and vision has had a profound effect on port industry qualifications and training, and on the development of regional educational facilities. Through skills and training we are delivering financial success, satisfied customers and initiatives making a difference locally and across the UK.
Port training Manager, Colin Bassam has been an integral part of the success of Port Training Services, Colin will be retiring in the coming months after 15 years of service. On behalf of the Port of Blyth and Port Training Services we would like to take this opportunity to recognise Colin’s significant contribution to the industry over the last 15 years and wish him all the best for his retirement.
Energy Central Institute, a new higher-level skills and innovation facility.
Port Training Manager, Colin Bassam, retiring after 15 years.
