The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) is delighted to announce that the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) at New College Durham has joined the North East Automotive Expo 2026 as the event’s Skills Lounge Sponsor.
Taking place on Thursday 24 September 2026 at the Beacon of Light in Sunderland, the North East Automotive Expo is the region’s largest automotive sector exhibition and networking event, bringing together manufacturers, supply chain companies, technology providers, educators and industry stakeholders from across the UK.
As Skills Lounge Sponsor, AMTEC will play a key role in highlighting the importance of skills development, technical excellence and workforce innovation in supporting the future growth of the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors.
New College Durham is one of only four colleges across the country to have been recognised as an Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (TEC), positioning it at the forefront of delivering employer-led technical education and advanced manufacturing skills development. Through close collaboration with industry partners, AMTEC is helping to equip learners and businesses with the skills required to meet the demands of modern manufacturing and emerging technologies.
The Skills Lounge has become a popular feature of the Expo, providing a dedicated space for discussions around workforce development, apprenticeships, training, education, recruitment and the skills challenges and opportunities facing the sector. The sponsorship aligns closely with AMTEC’s mission to bridge the gap between education and industry while supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce.
Paul Butler, CEO of the NEAA, said: “Skills remain one of the most important priorities for our sector. As automotive manufacturers embrace new technologies, digitalisation and the journey to net zero, ensuring businesses have access to the right talent has never been more important. We are delighted to welcome AMTEC as Skills Lounge Sponsor and look forward to working together to showcase the exciting opportunities available across the industry.”
Alison Maynard, Deputy Principal at New College Durham, said: “AMTEC was established to support the future skills needs of advanced manufacturing businesses and to create clear pathways into high-value careers. The North East Automotive Expo brings together many of the organisations shaping the future of manufacturing in our region, making it the ideal platform to promote collaboration between education and industry. We are delighted to support the Skills Lounge and be part of this flagship event.”
The North East Automotive Expo continues to grow year on year, attracting hundreds of delegates from across manufacturing and engineering. Alongside a large exhibition, the event features expert speakers, industry networking, business support organisations, technology providers and opportunities to explore the latest developments across the automotive and mobility sectors.
To find out more about exhibiting or attending or sponsoring the North East Automotive Expo 2026, visit: https://northeastautomotivealliance.com/events/north-east-automotive-expo-2026/
