SOUTH TYNESIDE COLLEGE EXCELLENCE LISTED BY LLOYDS

South Tyneside College (STC) has strengthened its position as one of the worlds leading maritime training centres, after winning the Lloyds List Award for Excellence in Training Provision.

South Tyneside College (STC) has strengthened its position as one of the worlds leading maritime training centres, after winning the Lloyds List Award for Excellence in Training Provision.

The award gives further international recognition to the College, based in South Shields in the North East of England, which offers courses tailored to reach the highest standards in training, education and certification for all types of seafarers and offshore workers.

Lloyds List made the award after consideration of numerous criteria, including the relevance of training to meeting defined needs, the effectiveness of teaching methods, the dedication of staff and levels of student support.

STC was chosen over other nominees from Russia, the UK, Austria and India after a panel of judges - chaired by Julian Parker, secretary of the Nautical Institute - agreed that the College offered the highest standards of teaching, combined with quality facilities and a pro-active approach to learning development.

The ceremony was held in the lavish setting of the Royal Naval College in Greenwich, attended by decision-makers from within the marine industry. Dr Chris May, director of the Marine School, was presented with the Training Excellence award by William ONeill, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). It was part of a range of 'Lloyds List Salute to Maritime Excellence Awards, backed by the world-renowned maritime publication.

Dr May was delighted to accept the award on behalf of the College. He said: To see the Marine School recognised in this way is testament to the commitment and ability of our team and to the courses we offer. For the benefit of our students, and their future success, we need to strive to be the best and this award reinforces our status as one of the foremost marine training providers in the world."

The award comes soon after the UK government awarded Pathfinder Status to STC, designating it a National Nautical Centre of Vocational Excellence.

Over recent years, investment in facilities has included a 3.5m Marine Simulation Centre for the training of Merchant Navy officers. A Marine Safety Training Centre, widely used by the marine and offshore industries, has also been introduced at a cost of 4.2m.

ENDS

Notes to the Editor:

South Tyneside College Marine School

South Tyneside College is among the worlds premier institutions for the provision of marine and offshore training. The College, based at South Shields in the UK, offers tailored courses for deck, engineering and electrical personnel, including full safety instruction facilities. Around 5,000 students each year attend the Marine School for full-time courses, with around 50% coming from overseas, representing 74 countries around the world. Staff are recruited from specialist sectors within the marine industry, bringing with them the knowledge and experience needed to ensure the highest standards of teaching. Companies who use the College for training include BP, Shell, P&O Nedlloyd, Clyde Marine and and a large number of companies from the Arabian Gulf and the Far East.