A planning application has been granted for the creation of a new technical training facility for NETA Training in Thornaby, Stockton on Tees. NETA, was founded in Stockton-on-Tees in 1975 and is part of the Education Training Collective (Etc.). It works nationally and globally with many large multi-national companies in the Apprenticeships, Industrial Safety, Supervisory and Skills Development and up-skilling areas, providing technical training services to a diverse range of sectors including electrical, gas, welding, health, safety and environment, scaffolding and mechanical jointing techniques.

The £14m project, made possible with Government Town Deal Funding, will see the new NETA facility built next to Stockton Riverside College enabling NETA to continue to deliver training to young people and adults, and meet the skills needs of local industries.

We are working closely with Etc., NETA and other stakeholders to develop the 5,000m2  facility by remodelling an existing building and linking this to a new bespoke industry standard workshop and training building, creating a cohesive learning workplace that reflects NETA’s strong identity and brand. The NETA building will have its own distinct arrival location from Princeton Drive, with specific consideration to the learner journey and the showcasing of NETA activities.

The design seeks to rejuvenate and enhance the campus, maximising opportunities for landscaped social space and improved parking, providing a welcoming and inclusive place that drives aspiration and attracts learners from all walks of life, including government funded students age 16+, commercial learners working in industry, and adults looking to move back into the workplace.

Anna McTaggart, Partner at GSS and lead architect on the scheme, said, “We are delighted to be working with the team on this fantastic project which presents a wonderful opportunity to reimagine and revitalise the campus, and to create a new facility for NETA that reflects the fantastic work they do.

“Working with Hall and Partners, JH Partners, BGP and One Environments the GSS team has explored opportunities for sustainable design and carbon reduction, including biodiversity net gain, sustainable drainage solutions and the incorporation of a range of net zero technologies to ensure the building runs as efficiently as possible. We are looking forward to seeing this project progress!”

The NETA development has been made possible with £4.5m investment, endorsed by the Thornaby Town Deal Board. Funding has also been secured from the Department for Education, the Education Training Collective (Etc.), and will be delivered in partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

This is one of the priority interventions that are set to bring long-term change and investment into Thornaby as part of its £23m Town Deal.