New Engineering Academy Launches in Northumberland

A groundbreaking 14-16 skills partnership which brings together Northumberland College, Duke’s Secondary School, AkzoNobel, JDR Cable Systems, and Universal Wolf – Tharsus, into a Cluster of Excellence in Engineering and Manufacturing has been launched.

The new Northumberland Engineering Academy will see students aged 14-16 study towards specialist qualifications in engineering design and manufacturing alongside their GCSEs to further bridge the gap between education and the world of work.

The Excellence Cluster will also overcome some of the challenges of industry competition for employer recruitment by creating a shared, multi skilled pipeline of potential sector employers of the future.

Supported by Northumberland College and a team of experts from the three global manufacturers, students will develop the essential technical skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the evolving engineering and manufacturing industry.

They will benefit from a comprehensive employer co-created programme, splitting their time between school and the college’s technical Ashington Campus, where they will have access to cutting-edge facilities, and unique opportunities to engage directly with employers.

In addition, they will also take part in an industry induction day, exclusive masterclasses, and work experience or immersive activities with AkzoNobel, JDR Cable Systems and Universal Wolf – Tharsus, giving them invaluable insights into real-world engineering and manufacturing practices.

To foster a professional learning environment, and a sense of pride, student will also receive branded uniforms and the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Warick Stephenson, Associate Principal for Technical at Northumberland College, said: “The launch of the Northumberland Engineering Academy marks a bold step forward in how we prepare young people for careers in engineering and manufacturing.

“Working in partnership with Duke’s Academy and leading employers like AkzoNobel, JDR Cable Systems, and Universal Wolf – Tharsus, we’re creating a truly collaborative model that blends academic learning with real-world experience.

“This Excellence Cluster is not just about skills development – it’s about building a future-ready workforce and giving students the confidence, tools and opportunities to thrive in high-demand technical careers.”

Students enrolling from September 2025 will benefit from a dynamic curriculum, supported by expert teaching, state-of-the-art resources, and strong industry links. Upon successful completion, they will be well-positioned to pursue apprenticeships, further education, or careers in engineering and manufacturing.

Russ Atkinson, Principal of Duke’s Secondary School, said: “We are so excited to get this trailblazing initiative up and running. We hope that the unique opportunities that this programme offers our students will ensure they leave school with real life work experience in the engineering sector, which will enable them to access the next phase of their education or training in a strong position.

“We know that this fantastic group of students will thrive on the programme, and we are hopeful that this can be used as a model to ensure that local industry in the North East can propel our young people into the workplace with the skills and qualifications that employers are looking for.”

The launch of the Engineering Academy at Ashington Campus marks an important step in addressing the skills gap in the engineering sector across Northumberland and the wider region. By combining education with direct industry engagement, the Northumberland Engineering Academy aims to create a sustainable talent pipeline and support local economic growth.

Shirley Spoors, Continuous Improvement Manager at global paint manufacturer AkzoNobel, said: “From first meeting parents and young people at their careers evening, to collaborating with industry partners to shape a curriculum that reflects the real needs of industry, through to now seeing our first cohort of students ready to begin their engineering journey, we feel incredibly proud to be part of this initiative.

“This experience has shown us how powerful partnerships can be for our community and our team at AkzoNobel are excited to support the students’ learning while helping to open development pathways for the manufacturers of the future.”

Ryan Pattison, Resourcing Manager at world-renowned subsea technologies and services provider JDR Cable Systems, said: “This academy is an exciting step forward in building the next generation of engineering talent in Northumberland.

“At JDR, we know how vital it is to nurture practical skills and inspire young people to see the opportunities that exist within our industry. By working with the academy and other employers, we can provide real-world experiences that not only prepare students for future careers but also strengthen the local talent pipeline for years to come.

“JDR is very excited to be a part of the Cluster of Excellence in Engineering and Manufacturing.”

Paul Lewis, Operations Director at leading sheet metal fabricators Universal Wolf, said: “It is a privilege to help give something back to our community by creating opportunities for young people to build valuable career and life skills in engineering and manufacturing.

“Being part of this groundbreaking initiative is exciting as it has the potential to reshape how education and industry work together and set a new standard for preparing the next generation.”

From 2026, the Academy will relocate to Northumberland College’s new Ashington Campus at Advance Northumberland’s Wansbeck Business Park.

The trailblazing development will revolutionise education and skills training across the Northeast and beyond, offering state-of-the-art facilities aligned to priority industry areas including technical pathways for electrical and mechanical engineering, robotics and automation, civil engineering, and groundworks, as well as automotive and green transport.