New College Durham (NCD) is strengthening its support for the North East’s advanced manufacturing sector with the appointment of Chris Small as Director of its Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) and Tori Screen as Head of School for Advanced Manufacturing.
Chris joins AMTEC following his experience with AESC, bringing valuable industry insight from one of the region’s leading advanced manufacturing and battery businesses to the post. Responsible for the strategic advancement of a nationally recognised centre of excellence he will report directly to the recently assigned Assistant Principal for Advanced Manufacturing and Partnerships, Sharon Bennett. Sharon has been involved in developing relationships with regional employers at the college for over 10 years, previously holding the role of Assistant Principal, Partnerships and Skills.
Tori Screen’s move into her new role as Head of School for Advanced Manufacturing follows previously working as Curriculum Manager for Technical Construction at the college. Tori’s move will further strengthen the college’s ability to connect specialist technical education with the evolving needs of employers.
The appointments come as NCD further develops its role as one of only four institutions recognised as an Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College. Creating new opportunities for employers to influence skills provision, AMTECs help develop the workforce needed to support future growth.
Chris said: “Having worked in the advanced manufacturing sector, I’ve seen first-hand how quickly the skills requirements of industries can change. Businesses need access to people with the right skills, while also being able to develop their existing workforce.
My experience at AESC showed me the value of bringing employers and education closer together and AMTEC provides an exciting opportunity to develop this further. Businesses can help shape the skills pipeline through becoming involved.
The North East has an incredibly strong advanced manufacturing and engineering base, and I’m excited to be able to create more opportunities for businesses to engage with NCD and AMTEC because together, we can develop the skills and talent the region needs to grow.”
Tori added: “We already have a fantastic foundation of technical expertise, excellent facilities and established relationships with employers and AMTEC gives us the opportunity to take that collaboration further.
Businesses have valuable insight into the technologies they are adopting, the skills they need and the capabilities their future workforce will require. That insight can directly influence what and how we teach. Ensuring our students develop relevant, up-to-date and in-demand skills gives them the best possible opportunity to develop their future careers.
The closer we work with employers, the better equipped we are to develop the workforce they and the wider North East economy need.”
NCD already works closely with employers through apprenticeships, placements, curriculum development, live projects, industry visits and workforce training.
AMTEC is inviting manufacturers, engineering businesses, automotive, local space technology firms and other employers to explore how they can get involved; to find our more contact sharon.bennett@newdur.ac.uk