Protex considers TTE for apprenticeship training

Protex, which is based in Stokesley, is currently looking to use the services of the TTE Technical Training Group for apprenticeship training for the third time.

This follows TTE's recent launch of the 'Apprentices for the Upturn' campaign, which is aimed at encouraging more companies to sponsors its apprentices.

TTE is already training two instrument engineers on behalf of Protex.

Both are on the Advanced Apprenticeship course and are combining this with tuition in 2D Auto Computer Aided Design (CAD) Engineering Design at Stockton Riverside College.

They will qualify in summer 2012 and will become part of Protex's in-house technical design team, which specialises in designing electrical safety systems for hazardous areas.

Keith Leslie, TTE apprenticeship business director, said: 'Access to quality and industry-focused education and training is as vital to smaller firms, which have a significant part to play in the Tees Valley's economic development, as it is for larger businesses.

'Many people equate TTE with training staff for industrial giants, but a key element of our "Apprentices for the Upturn" campaign is to highlight how TTE provides apprentices with many transferrable skills that are of value to companies large and small,' he added.

According to Derek Green, managing director of Protex, the company's directors are currently looking into employing another apprentice, who will be trained at TTE, and are currently going through the interview process.

Protex provides a range of control, instrumentation and electrical design skills for hazardous areas to international companies in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries.

The Learning and Skills Council funds TTE apprenticeship programmes in order to provide employers across the UK with the skills required to assist in the economic upturn.

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