IT’S been another record-breaking year for new starters at a Malton-based engineering training provider.

Derwent Training Association (DTA), based on York Road industrial estate on the outskirts of town, has this month welcomed 63 new starts for the 2018 year.

It has also welcomed on board 13 new employers, which will invest in apprenticeship training with DTA .

DTA, which was founded in 1988, is celebrating 30 years in training during 2018 and this year marks another continuous year for over 60 new starts. In 2010 it welcomed 25 new starts so this represents considerable growth.

Since it was founded, the provider has trained over 650 apprentices, with a large percentage staying to work in the local area as well as setting up their own businesses.

DTA’s general manager, John Brockett, said: “This has been another record-breaking year for advanced and apprentice recruitment and for progression onto higher apprenticeships.

“This is a result of local employers recognising the best way to fill skills gaps is by the apprenticeship route.

“It is also a testament to the flourishing engineering sector across North Yorkshire.”

The provider works with local engineering firms to train young people across Ryedale, York and along the Yorkshire coast in mechanical, electrical, fabrication and welding and design apprenticeships.

DTA is also beating national averages at getting women into engineering. Ten per cent of its apprentices are female with another three starting this September.

DTA’s current home on the outskirts of Malton, with its industry-level equipment, was opened in 2001 by patron Lord Derwent of Hackness.

In 2007 there was an extension built, and in 2015, Lord Derwent was on site again to officially open a new £150,000 mechatronics workshop.

For those thinking about being the new generation of engineers in Yorkshire, more information will be available at DTA’s open evening on Tuesday, October 16 from 4pm to 7pm.

This will be a chance to speak to local employers about opportunities, look round DTA’s training facilities as well as asking current apprentices about their experiences.