LEADERS from the manufacturing and engineering scene will come together next month, at an event arranged by a specialist training centre that is celebrating its 45th year in business.

S.W Durham Training (SWDT), a Newton Aycliffe-based company that specialises in training courses for the engineering and manufacturing sectors, is holding a reunion event that will bring together former apprentices who have passed through its doors since it opened in 1967.

The event, arranged to mark the training centre's anniversary, will include a speech from former SWDT apprentices Gareth Berry, who is now vice president of Electrolux Major Appliances, who will also take to the stage to share his memories of training.

Charl Erasmus, head of operations at SWDT, said: "Our team has helped thousands of people to embark on successful careers in the manufacturing and engineering field, and of course, many of them will still have special memories of their time with us.

"Over the years, SWDT has changed a great deal. We now have our stunning CORE Centre, which opened only last year, and we have some really cutting edge equipment to ensure that our students have the chance to experience a range of tools of the trade. However, many of the members of staff from decades ago are still here, the original building is still the hub of activity at SWDT and of course, the same culture of success exists.

He added: "It will be fantastic to welcome back our former apprentices and unlock great memories of their time with us here. We're really looking forward to it. And of course for our team, it is fascinating to see the progression of the apprentices they once taught, proof that apprenticeships really can lead to great careers."

The event is planned to take place during the early evening on Tuesday October, 30. The reunion will follow an awards ceremony, which will recognise the achievements of the centre's class of 2012.

It will include guest speakers as well as the chance to look through old photographs, chat to other former students and the opportunity to see the facilities.

Any former student of the centre keen to attend the event should contact David Allison on 01325 313 194 or email dallison@swdt.co.uk.