CATCH, the multi million pound industry led-centre has been supported with £195,000 from the Government’s Local Growth Fund, secured by the Humber LEP and part of the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse to further cement its status as a National Centre for the Process, Energy Intensive and Renewable Industries.

The world class facilities continue to be developed to ensure that the provisions meet the needs of the local and national industrial community. The £195,000 grant, along with significant matched funds from partnering organisations has enabled the site to accelerate an improved customer journey, such as clear site signage, new road markings, air conditioning, redecorating of classrooms, a new extended dining room and improved security with the installation of ANPR barrier and state of the art CCTV.

A key deliverable from funding was to provide a boost to project partner Reynolds Training Services, who have invested over £220,000 and co-managed the installation of a UK first fully modernised Tank Farm training facility. The additional components and wider upgrade bring ‘real world’ experience to the provision, providing the ability to train and practice core control room operations and process operations in a realistic fully emulated work environment whilst removing hazards. The state-of-the-art equipment and associated control align directly with the industries not just within the Humber region, but UK wide and internationally.

Additionally, Maersk Training has invested in exciting improvements to the Working at Height facilities through a complete refurbishment of the area and the fabrication of two dummy Nacelle units for training purposes this will allow Advance Rescue and Enhanced First Aid training along with other courses to be delivered.  Maersk Training also has plans to invest in the workshop space on site to further increase the offshore winds skills capability by constructing a Wind Turbine Blade Repair Workshop.

In total, over the last two years, total investment at the site amounts to over £400,000. With the addition of 4 jobs created and 7 new apprenticeships and 30 other learners supported. Looking forward over the next 5 years we are anticipating to put through and additional 160 apprenticeships and up to 600 other learners supported through level 3,4 and 5 qualifications and advanced apprenticeships directly as a result of this investment.

David Talbot, CEO CATCH, Said, “The continued investment in the CATCH facilities means that we are one step closer to cementing our vision to be a national skills centre, membership and technical services hub for energy intensive and energy producing industries in the clean growth era. The fact that the investment has not only been matched by CATCH, but also by significant funding from our onsite partners such as Reynolds Training Services and Maersk Training shows the commitment to the site.  The CATCH site and community is seen as a fantastic asset for the region and our industrial sectors; supporting the protection and creation of jobs, driving inward investment and allowing key industries to boost their skill set to meet the needs of the ever-changing landscape. I am excited for our future development plans and encourage industry professionals to engage with CATCH to be a part of a collective voice and work together to ensure the industry is sustainable and strong for the future”

To find out more visit www.catchuk.org