TDR Training is delighted to announce that we have been selected as the engineering apprenticeship provider of choice for Nexus, marking an exciting new partnership with one of the North East’s most important transport organisations.
About Nexus
Nexus is the public body responsible for managing and delivering public transport across Tyne and Wear, including the Metro network, supporting millions of passenger journeys each year and connecting communities across the North East.
A New Approach to Engineering Apprenticeships
Traditionally, Nexus has worked with a large number of colleges and training providers across the region to deliver engineering apprenticeships. While this provided access to a wide range of training provision, it also meant that apprentices could experience different approaches to training, communication and support.
Nexus took the decision to move towards a more consistent model, with the aim of selecting one college or training provider to manage engineering apprenticeship delivery across the Nexus Group.
This was a significant decision, and Nexus undertook a long and detailed process to establish exactly what they required from their future apprenticeship partner.
The Nexus leadership team developed a clear set of criteria against which potential providers would be assessed. This included the quality of practical training, facilities, learner support, communication, employer engagement and the overall ability of a provider to deliver a consistent apprenticeship experience.
Following an extensive and thorough process, which included visits to a number of colleges and training providers across the region and detailed analysis of their delivery models, Nexus distributed a formal tender document to a number of selected providers.
TDR Training Selected
TDR Training was ultimately selected after demonstrating the qualities and capabilities Nexus demanded from its apprenticeship partner of choice.
The process involved detailed discussions between the TDR and Nexus teams, allowing both organisations to understand each other’s expectations and establish how TDR could support Nexus in delivering a consistent, high-quality engineering apprenticeship programme.
The final selection was made towards the end of July, and TDR is incredibly proud to have been chosen to support Nexus and its future engineering workforce.
Welcoming 10 New Engineering Apprentices
Interestingly, while the provider selection process was taking place, the Nexus recruitment team had already begun its onboarding programme for 10 new engineering apprentices.
Following the final selection, these apprentices will now begin their apprenticeship journey with TDR Training.
Their training will begin with an intensive period of practical engineering training at the TDR Training School at Quorum Business Park, Longbenton.
The apprentices will gain practical experience across a selection of engineering disciplines, developing the core technical skills and knowledge required for their future careers with Nexus.
This intensive period of training will prepare the apprentices for their return to the Nexus Group in February 2027, where they will continue developing their skills within the workplace.
A Partnership Built Around Consistency
The partnership represents more than simply the delivery of an apprenticeship programme. It provides Nexus with a consistent training partner, a single point of communication and a dedicated training environment designed around developing engineering talent.
For TDR Training, it is an opportunity to work closely with Nexus to ensure that every apprentice receives a high-quality, practical and consistent training experience from the beginning of their apprenticeship.
We are particularly excited about the opportunity to build a strong long-term relationship with the Nexus team and to play our part in developing the next generation of engineering professionals within the organisation.
TDR Training is extremely proud to have been selected as Nexus’ engineering apprenticeship provider of choice, and we look forward to welcoming the 10 new apprentices to our training school as they begin this exciting next chapter in their careers.
