Inside the WTS & Northumberland Skills partnership powering ECLH’s innovation

In conversation with Dom and Paul, we explore the partnership behind ECLH’s transformation into an industry-led training powerhouse.

A conversation between Dominic Connolly, Founding Director at Wind Training Solutions (WTS), and Paul Cottiss, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Lecturer and Curriculum Lead at Northumberland Skills, reveals how a forward-thinking partnership led to the creation of a cutting-edge training facility at Energy Central Learning Hub packed with bespoke equipment and powered by industry knowledge.

From factory floor to training trailblazer

Paul’s journey began in 1989, as an apprentice at Nestlé at just 16. He spent years on the tools, eventually managing a weekend shift team - until family life nudged him in a new direction. He pivoted to further education to give back and help others step into industry.

Seventeen years later as curriculum lead at Northumberland Skills, he and his team are on a mission: to build training pathways that are laser-focused on employment outcomes. "We never talk about 'you need to do this for a qualification' - you need to develop skills and behaviours because your next step is employment," Paul explains.

Why most college training is failing

When they realised that standard FE electrical training wasn’t cutting it (focused more on domestic circuits than industrial control systems), they went looking for something better. Enter Wind Training Solutions (WTS).

Paul explained that "FE institutes typically develop training to meet awarding body specs, not employer needs. That has to change. We need bespoke solutions. Colleges should resemble workplaces, not classrooms."

WTS came in with a different offer: tailored equipment, tailored content, and deep experience in the field.

Employers say they’ve waited a lifetime for this

WTS delivered a full suite of custom industrial training equipment designed around what learners actually need to know to be useful on day one. Each of the 16 learners now has their own station — no crowding around demo rigs or standing around waiting their turn.

"I needed 16 of everything," Paul explains. "I couldn't afford to spend money on equipment that only one person could use at a time."

The impact was instant. Learners who’d never stripped a wire were wiring up three-phase motors in under ten weeks. And the employers? Blown away.

"They say things like 'we've been waiting a lifetime for this type of equipment — this is addressing the skills we need'."

The results speak volumes: before they’ve even finished their time at ECLH, four learners are already leaving with apprenticeships in hand.

"They say things like 'we've been waiting a lifetime for this type of equipment - this is addressing the skills we need'."

The results speak volumes: before they’ve even finished their time at ECLH, four learners are already leaving with apprenticeships in hand.

Training that breaks every old rule

The WTS partnership also brought something rare: a supplier that doesn’t just deliver the kit, they develop the course too, perfectly aligned to the equipment.

"Once I spoke to Wind Training Solutions, I had no hesitation," Paul said. "They’re industry specialists, they’ve got credibility, and they can translate that into a classroom. The resources they’ve developed don’t just look good, they match the skills industry actually needs."

The industry response? Immediate and clear.

The equipment has what Paul calls a "wow factor." Visitors peer through the windows at Energy Central Learning Hub to get a closer look. Employers, meanwhile, are queueing up. Some even want to use the setup to retrain their own teams.

"Companies have been in and said, 'We really struggle to recruit. We’re paying top money for electrical technicians, but then we have to retrain them in what we do.' When they see our setup, they see something that looks like the equipment they use every day."

Employers also appreciate the behavioural readiness of the learners. "We’re schooling them in the behaviours required so employers can trust the candidates coming their way," Paul said.

Engineering grown-ups, not just graduates

But the transformation goes beyond wires and multimeters. It’s also about mindset.

Paul says: "I’m proud to come into work because I see our learners taking ownership of their development, managing themselves, showing up on time."

That doesn’t happen by accident. WTS deliver training in lockstep with Paul’s expectations, reinforcing the behaviours needed for the workplace.

"Our goal is to develop foundation competence and behaviours. Basically so that people can go into a workplace on day one of their apprenticeship and become useful."

Engineering education needs a reset

Paul believes more FE colleges need to rethink their approach. "The focus has to shift. You can’t just tick a box to say you meet a standard. You need to create something customised, with employers involved from the start."

For Paul, it’s also about passing on skills before they’re lost: "It’s important that we put apprentices with experienced people and pass those skills on before they’re lost and that begins with foundation competencies, with colleges."

What makes the WTS partnership work?

The partnership isn’t just about equipment, training, or even employment. It’s about shared values.

At the core of the partnership is shared purpose.

“Because our values and goals align, that end point - of developing someone with the behaviours and skills relevant for a job - Wind Training Solutions have made massive inroads into that.” Paul said. "They get it. Their messages to learners match ours. They care about behaviours. They care about people being work-ready."

The integration of equipment, curriculum, and delivery creates a seamless experience. Learners assemble their own stations, take pride in their environment, and know that what they’re learning has value.

"I'm happy coming to work because I know what we’re doing makes a difference. I see the learners taking responsibility and ownership. I see them becoming adults."

What other colleges need to hear

Paul is clear in his advice to others.

"Talk to your employers first. Ask: what do you want apprentices to do? What does day one look like for a new starter? What are the key behaviours?”

"You’ve got to know what the end goal is, what’s the learner going to walk into on day one of their job? That’s what we’re training them for."

"Don’t build training in isolation. Get a partner who knows the industry, who can make sure the training is relevant from day one."

And this is just the beginning

With the partnership in full swing, Paul and the team at Northumberland Skills are already thinking about what’s next. The focus now is on growth, not just in learner numbers, but in building deeper, long-term relationships with employers.

“I can’t think of anything that I would do differently at the moment. I’m delighted with what we’ve developed at this stage. We’re not even a year old yet, do you know what I mean? So I think we’ve got some challenges. Our focuses are now all around developing relationships with employers,” Paul explained.

The ambition is clear: “In 12 months, I want employers at our door in September, asking who the rising stars are so they can recruit them.”

It’s a bold trajectory, but one made possible by the partnership. “WTS have accelerated our journey,” Paul said. “We’re building something sustainable, something different. And we’re just getting started.”