The new Hughes Building at the CATCH training facility will help close the skills gap across the region, Conservative MP for Cleethorpes, Martin Vickers, has said.
CATCH’s simulated training grounds, classrooms and facilities play a role in the skills development and competency assurance of organisations.
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony in Stallingborough, Mr Vickers said: “Skills shortages are something that we constantly hear about from industry and it is a tribute to the facility here that we can provide those skills and that training that is needed here and that is absolutely vital to our future prosperity.”
The ever-expanding facility, which is home to a range of training providers, supports the process, energy, engineering and renewable industries in the Humber region and wider UK.
“In my council days, I can remember when this was a building site,” recalled Mr Vickers.
The new building, he added, paid a “great tribute to all those partnerships which have formed the facility”.
“I’m delighted to hear there’s plans to expand further.”
CATCHing up on safety standards
Labour councillor, Ros James, who was also among the dignitaries attending the event, praised the CATCH training facility and its range of training providers.
“Hundreds of apprentices and other learners have started their career here and have gone on to work, not only across the Humber, but across the world,” she said.
“The Hughes Building will continue that tradition with the first learners from North Lindsey College starting their courses next week. These are exciting times for the Humber and North East Lincolnshire.”
CATCH CEO, David Talbot, described the new building as a “testament to everyone’s vision”.
“When we decided what to call the building, for me, there really was no other choice but to call the building ‘The Hughes Building’ in memory of Dr Glyn Hughes of the Humber Chemical Focus.”
“The CATCH project was initiated in 2004 with Glyn at the helm and we owe the early success of the facility to Glyn along with the support he secured from our members, directors and public sector partners.”
CATCH boasts facilities including a live three storey process plant with control room, bunded tank farm, process simulator, Skills Enhancement Centre, access zone, CompEx zone and confined space entry zone as well as engineering workshops and classrooms.
