North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and local authority leaders at the North East Combined Authority are set to approve a landmark skills investment, which will create a new generation of skilled local workers in electric vehicle (EV) and battery technology.

MADE NE (Manufacturing, Automation, Digitalisation, Electrification North East), led by Nissan with partners on behalf of the automotive sector, will create world-leading training facilities over two sites within the International Advanced Manufacturing Strategic Site (IAMSS) in Sunderland.

The £14.6 million project, which a report to the Mayor and Cabinet recommends receives support worth £9.7 million from the Combined Authority, will provide open access facilities to industry for skills training in the region’s advanced manufacturing sector, with a particular focus on EV and battery manufacturing.

It will cover skills development from primary school to apprenticeships, to in-work learning and training. The centre also aims to support targeted industrial innovation projects with funding and equipment.

The plans will go before the North East Combined Authority Cabinet at their meeting on Tuesday 30 July. MADE NE is the first project to come forward as part of the region’s Investment Zone: a £160 million, 10-year programme that is expected to create at least 4,000 jobs and secure £3bn of private sector investment. 

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:

“In my manifesto I promised to back our world-leading automotive industry. Now we are delivering. This investment will unlock a generation of skilled workers and create opportunities for local people and businesses.

“It cements our reputation as a global success story in advanced manufacturing and shows how we can lead the industries of the future. The investment shows how we can make the North East the home of real opportunity by backing local workers and businesses – so our area has good, well-paid, high-skilled jobs and training on the doorstep.“

Adam Pennick, Vice President, Manufacturing, at Nissan Sunderland Plant, said: “To build the cars of the future, you need the skills of the future. This fantastic new facility will help find the talent, nurture the technical skills and drive the spirit of innovation that will power advanced automotive manufacturing in the UK. 

“Nissan Sunderland is proud of its track record on skills development and we know that to deliver our EV36Zero vision we need to do more. 

“That’s why we are excited to be leading this collaborative long-term project to take skills development to the next level, for the benefit of the North East of England.”   

MADE NE aims to be self-sustaining in five years, generating revenue linked with the delivery of apprenticeship, sub-letting space to businesses aligned with the goals of the project and by making Nissan’s training commercially available so that others can benefit. The plan has been developed in partnership by Nissan with the Combined Authority, Sunderland City Council, Education Partnership North East (EPNE), New College Durham, AESC, Vantec, Newcastle University, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, and the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA).

Cllr Michael Mordey, Cabinet member for Finance and Investment and Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We are proud that Sunderland is the beating heart of the most important economic motor this region has, and that – in securing this investment – we can continue to drive its success with talented, highly-skilled people, trained in the city and able to contribute to the success of this whole region.  And indeed to ensure that the supply chain is developed with the availability of a world-class workforce. 

“Our location – at the heart of the region – means that we are well-positioned to support people right across the North East to access world-class training that will enable them to take up green jobs, as we transition to electrification.  It cements our position on a global stage – an internationally competitive, ambitious city that is leading the way in the race to a more sustainable future, at the heart of a region that can play a huge part in the success of UK Plc.”

A beacon for an accelerated integrated approach to skills and innovation

Professor Roberto Palacin, Professor of Transport Futures and Academic Director for Electrification, Newcastle University, said: “MADE NE is part of our shared ambition to place the northeast as the beacon for an accelerated integrated approach to skills and innovation underpinned by fruitful collaboration between all relevant stakeholders. In our role as key strategic partners we will strive to fulfil this vision, bringing in our internationally renowned expertise in higher education and specialised training as well as generating new knowledge to increase competitiveness and, ultimately, improve the lives of those in region.

Newcastle University has recently launched a Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship, with currently three specialisms: batteries; advanced manufacturing (automation and control); power electronics, machines and drives. Further specialisms are in development. This programme has been co-designed with industry partners, who helped us to identify new knowledge and skills.

Professor Rene Koglbauer, Dean of Lifelong Learning and Professional Practice, said: “With regards to skills, Newcastle University’s contribution will build on our URKI/Innovate UK co-funded Institute of Electrification and Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing in partnership with the North East Institute of Technology and the National Battery Training and Skills Academy in collaboration with New College Durham.

“Both initiatives are aligned to the Local Skills Improvement Plan and underpinned by our drive to contribute to proving seamless education, skills and training pathways aligned to the National Electrification Skills Framework from entry level through to Master’s and doctoral level.”

Adapted with thanks from the North East Combined Authority.