New education centre planned

AN industrial estate unit will be turned into an education centre to run apprenticeships under plans sent to Stockton Council.

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT Local democracy reporter

JIL has applied for planning permission to convert the unit on Perry Avenue, Thornaby for “vocational educational training use”, which it says will meet the demand for a skilled workforce and generate jobs.

It says its proposed expansion into the empty property near Fleck Way on Teesside Industrial Estate will create a “feedback loop” of training and job opportunities with local companies.

The charity wants to add the detached commercial trade and workshop unit, near Greggs, Toolstation and Screwfix, to its estate of 18 training centres. Rated “good” by education regulator Ofsted, JTL says it wants to buy the leasehold and bring the building back into full use: “The conversion of the building will be used to provide vocational training for 16 to 25-year-olds seeking to expand their education and skillset, and thereby providing a wider offering of trained and employable staff in the area for local business.”