Overhead line training centre opens in Cumbria

The training centre at Newton Rigg Credit: ITV Border

A training centre teaching students the skills needed to work on overhead power lines has opened in Cumbria.

Overhead line engineering business SPIE set up the centre at Newton Rigg College near Penrith in a bid to tackle a recognised skills gap in the industry.

The three-year course has been accredited by the EU and is designed to train apprentices to work for SPIE.

Teaching begins with off-the-job training in the classroom and in a purpose built training field on the Newton Rigg site. Off-site learning exercises will also be taking place at a number of SPIE-managed UK locations.

Around 160 people applied for the 20 apprentice places on the current course which guarantees a job with SPIE on successful completion.

Below is Kate Walby's report on the new training centre.