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A LEADER in overhead line engineering is creating its first dedicated UK training centre in Cumbria.

SPIE UK is teaming up with Newton Rigg College near Penrith for the scheme, which has already taken on its first apprentices.

The aim is to help tackle a skills gap in the industry and recruit a 'high number' of apprentices.

The development comes as the National Grid looks to build a network of 50-metre high pylons along the Cumbrian coast to carry power generated from a proposed new power plant at Moorside near Sellafield.

The new overhead line training centre will be officially opened on Wednesday (MAY 4).

James Thoden van Velzen, chief executive of SPIE UK, and chairman Gauthier Louette will be among those at the event.

The centre is the first of its kind in the UK and has been accredited by the EU.

Apprentices embark on a nationally recognised level three training programme.  

Newton Rigg College is one of the leading land-based colleges in the UK.

The new three-year course has been established in line with SPIE’s UK-wide operations. 

The apprenticeships involve trainees being away from home for the off-the-job training, with block training taking place at Newton Rigg College. 

Students' on-site development and experience will take place at various locations where SPIE is working on contracts across the UK.

Graduating students will have the opportunity to join the firm.

SPIE specialises in both distribution and transmission overhead lines.

The firm undertakes work directly for distribution network operators throughout the UK.