Engineering and manufacturing employers across the North East are being invited to start their day with insight, conversation, and practical guidance at series of Employer Breakfast hosted by Newcastle College. Designed specifically for businesses considering how apprenticeships could support their workforce, this informal event offers clarity without commitment and puts employers firmly in control of the conversation.
The first Employer Breakfast will take place on Friday 15th May 2026, with additional dates available on 12th June and 9th July for those unable to attend the initial session. Whether you already employ apprentices or are simply exploring your options, this event provides a welcoming environment to learn more and ask questions tailored to your business needs.
Over breakfast, employers will meet Newcastle College’s Apprenticeship Team and Engineering Department, gaining first hand insight into Level 3 engineering apprenticeship programmes and how they can be flexibly applied within different organisational contexts. There is no sales pitch, just open discussion, practical advice and the opportunity to understand how apprenticeships can help build a skilled, future-ready workforce.
A key highlight of the morning is a guided tour of Newcastle College’s Advanced Manufacturing Suite, showcasing a significant recent investment in cutting edge engineering and manufacturing technology. This investment directly responds to the North East Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and recommendations from industry, ensuring facilities reflect real world workforce demands. It is part of a broader programme of investment into areas of regional and national importance, including subsea, renewable energy and manufacturing engineering.
The Advanced Manufacturing Suite is equipped to give students hands on experience with industry standard tools and systems, bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical application. New and upgraded equipment includes fully programmed Mach Machine CNC mills, electro-pneumatic trainers embedded with PLC, smart manufacturing systems, SIEMENS PLC software, Festo FluidSIM software, FANUC robotic arms with Roboguide software, a fully equipped 3D printing suite and brand-new industrial lathes. For employers, this means apprentices who are trained on the technologies they are likely to encounter in the workplace, ready to contribute from day one.
In addition to exploring facilities and programmes, the breakfast offers valuable networking opportunities with other local engineering and manufacturing employers. Sharing experiences, challenges and ideas often spark new thinking about workforce development and collaboration across the region.
Importantly, this session is designed to be employer focused and informal. There is time to ask questions, discuss funding and pathways and consider how apprenticeships could be shaped around your business model, growth plans, and skills gaps.
Places are limited, so early registration is encouraged. If you are interested in discovering how engineering apprenticeships can help develop your future workforce, register your place today and join Newcastle College for breakfast.
👉 Register here: Engineering Employer Breakfast and Facility Tour
