Northumberland entrepreneur to tackle construction skills shortage with new training facility

A newly launched construction training facility in Northumberland has revealed plans to offer a raft of employment opportunities in the coming year.

Trainbase, located at Burnt House Farm in Bedlington, is set to create 20 new jobs in its first 18 months.

Opened by Ian Lavery MP, the centre represents a new business venture for Northumberland entrepreneur Tony Rutherford.

The company offers professional accredited training and testing across various awarding bodies for those working in construction and related trades.

Trainbase has already attracted a number of clients from the sector, including Esh Group, Thompsons of Prudhoe and Skipton-based JN Bentley.

Tony Rutherford, who also owns WPR Farms, is the director and centre manager of Trainbase Ltd.

He said: “We are delighted to officially open the doors of our new premium construction training centre. At Trainbase we are committed to delivering high quality professional training so that people from across the region can obtain the necessary skills and accreditation to enable them to work safely and with a high level of competence.

“We expect to see high levels of interest in our courses as the North East construction market continues to thrive, driven by affordable housing development, student accommodation and infrastructure projects.”

Tony added: “In order to meet demand we have already created four new jobs and further opportunities will follow.”

Discussing the launch, Tony said it comes in response to the “well-documented skills shortage in construction”.

He continued: “It is important that local businesses have access to high quality training facilities, particularly now that contractors need certification from accredited awarding bodies as in-house certification is not as widely accepted as proof of competence.”

The 20-acre site Trainbase site incorporates a 15-acre all-weather digging area, in addition to office accommodation housing training, testing and conference rooms.

Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery commented: “The opening of Trainbase is fantastic news for Northumberland, not only is it generating new jobs for the area but it also provides first class training facilities for local people and businesses.

“The facility will cater for a wide variety of people ranging from school leavers and apprentices to the unemployed and those wanting to expand their skill set.”

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