Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering

The North East is often described as the heart of the UK's engineering and advanced manufacturing industry, employing 126,000 people.

The region's specialisms include pharmaceutical, rail, food production and automotive. With over 150 years experience supporting the sector we are proud to work in partnership with many of the region's leading employers including - AESC, AkzoNobel, Canford Audio, Faltec, Grundfos, Haskel, Jatco, Magna, Marelli, Merit, Nissan, North East Automotive Association, Roundel, SNOP, Sterling Pharma, Tharsus, Unipres, Universal Wolf and ZF Automotive.

‘Throughout our relationship with EPNE, the full on-boarding process has been second to none. The account management has been frequent and thorough, consistently meeting our training needs, including supporting us to recruit and train high quality apprenticeship candidates for our ongoing apprenticeship programmes. From identifying staff development needs to the quality of programme delivery, the standard has been high. EPNE are playing a huge part in our vision for growth over the next 3-4 years.’   (Chris Small, Training Development Lead at AESC)

‘The team at the College consistently work closely with AkzoNobel to develop bespoke training courses tailored to our specific industry needs. Through both apprenticeships and engineering skills bootcamps, we have been able to address a wide-range of key areas such as technician engineering, lean manufacturing and trainer development ensuring our workforce remains highly skilled and future-ready. Their collaborative approach has supported our overall business strategy, development objectives as well as strengthened our talent pipeline.’ (Jeff Hope, Manufacturing Director UK&I Decorative Paints at AkzoNobel)

Our extensive range of engineering and advanced manufacturing courses are delivered by experienced and dedicated staff and we have some of the best engineering and advanced manufacturing facilities in the North East.

Investing in innovation

We are committed to investing in cutting-edge facilities to ensure our students receive the best possible learning experience.

At the heart of this commitment is our HICSA (Housing Innovation & Construction Skills Academy) facility, where students gain hands-on experience by constructing a full house each year - offering a truly immersive and vocational approach to training.

In addition, our city campus features an advanced assembly line setup, while specialist welding and fabrication workshops, along with electric power feedback rigs, are available across our campuses to provide comprehensive, real-world training.

Explore our new £9 Million Construction Academy

Our new Construction Academy offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide students with hands-on training across all core trades, from bricklaying to plumbing.

Specialist welding and fabrication workshops

Our specialist welding and fabrication workshops accommodate three types of welding MIG, TIG and MMA.

A modern machine shop

Our modern machine workshop boast a selection of the latest lathes, millers, grinders, CNC Machinery, band saws and drills.

Fluid power hydraulic and pneumatic rigs

Our facilities include fluid power hydraulic and pneumatic rigs, SMC training process rigs SCADA, and pick and place rigs.

Micro controller rigs

Our engineering workshops include micro controller rigs, soldering for circuit construction and 3 types of PLCs, including Siemens Mitsubishi and Allen Bradley.

Electric power feedback rigs

On-site we have electric power feedback rigs, motor simulation rigs, motor testing and facilities to wire circuits using board systems covering all voltages up to 420.

Access to design inventor

We have access to Design Inventor, CAD, and 3D printing facilities, as well as live conveyors, pump sets, gear boxes, and training rigs.

UKSPF – Sunderland Skills & Inclusion

Sunderland College is working with local employers to provide training to help people learn new skills in line with employers needs.

Including a variety of practical short courses targeted at the advanced manufacturing sector delivered at our state-of-the-art City campus.

Our Collaborative Process

Connecting you with outstanding local talent

As an Ofsted Outstanding apprenticeship provider, we are committed to supporting employers and empowering local young people. We work closely with your company to connect you with local students who are the best fit for the roles you need – helping you build a future-ready workforce while giving back to the community.

With dedicated recruitment support, we make it easy to find and onboard the right apprentices for your business. This collaborative approach has led to the successful development of responsive programmes – designed to address skills gaps within the engineering sector.

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Connecting companies with local talent

Whether you are looking at an apprenticeship programme to recruit and expand your workforce or whether you want to invest in the development of existing employees, we're here to advise and support every step of the way.

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