Trainbase, a new construction training centre has been opened in Northumberland. The site was opened by Ian Lavery, the Labour MP for Wansbeck. It is thought that the new site will create 20 new jobs over the course of the first 18 months of Trainbase operating. The training centre located at Burnt House Farm in Bedlington is expecting a high level of demand for its courses when it starts operating.

This training centre has been set up as a new business venture by Tony Rutherford. Rutherford is the owner of WPR Farms and is a Northumberland based entrepreneur. It is thought that Trainbase will offer professionally accredited training and testing across several different awarding bodies for those working in the construction industry or any related trades. The training centre has already attracted some well-known clients including Esh Group, Thompsons of Prudhoe and JN Bentley of Skipton.

Tony Rutherford will be acting as Director and Centre Manager for Trainbase Ltd as the training centre opens its doors. Trainbase will focus on providing quality training for people across the region. The training centre will offer the necessary skills and accreditation in order to work on site safely with a high level of competence.

The training centre is expecting to have a high level of interest in its courses because of the promising North East construction market. In this region the construction market is doing well because of affordable housing developments as well as student accommodation and other infrastructure projects taking place. Trainbase has announced that they have already created four new jobs and it is hoped that more opportunities will come in the future.

The skills shortage in the construction industry is well documented and it is important that training facilities of a high quality are made available for local businesses. It is more vital that training opportunities are created because of the need for certification from accredited awarding bodies are desired as opposed to in-house certification which is not accepted widely as a proof of competence.