A MALTON-based training provider is expanding its premises to meet an increasing demand.

Derwent Training Association (DTA) on York Road Industrial Park is planning substantial building alterations to increase the available training area and enlarge and improve the apprentice facilities. At the same time they will be refurbishing existing classrooms and improving teaching aids.

John Brockett, general manager of DTA, said the work is necessary because the number of apprentices has doubled over the last five years.

“These alterations and refurbishments will be a substantial investment, which will be partly funded by a £30,000 grant from Ryedale District Council, which has always been a strong supporter of DTA,” he said.

Mr Brockett said the work would involve building a large mezzanine over two thirds of the main workshop, which will become the new electronics clean room.

“This will enable DTA to broaden the electrical/electronic units we offer, while the existing electrical installation room will also be extended and other alterations will free up existing classroom space for apprentices following other disciplines,” he said.

“As part of the refurbishment, DTA will be installing new interactive smart boards in every classroom, where appropriate, to keep up to date with the latest teaching technology.”

Mr Brockett said the board and staff of DTA were committed to providing the best training possible and to keeping up-to-date with advances in technology.

“Hence, these improvements, which are in addition to improvements made last year when all the computers in the IT suite were replaced with more powerful units capable of running the latest CAD software,” he said.

“In addition, we have improved the fume extraction in the welding bays and purchased a state of the art welding simulator.

“These improvements will not only allow us to train more apprentices each year but also improve the quality of the training we offer.”

The work is expected to be carried out in stages to keep disruption to a minimum and currently there are no plans to close the training centre.

All the work will be completed ahead of the new apprentices starting in September.

For more information about engineering apprenticeships visit www.derwenttraining.co.uk