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Engineering training provider Seta has delivered training to more than 100 employees at vehicle exteriors specialist Magna Exteriors (Sunderland).<\/p>\n
Magna Exteriors, a global company which has supported the automotive industry for over 65 years, opened its Sunderland plant in 2021, bringing 280 job opportunities to the area. The company produces lightweight, thermoplastic liftgate modules.<\/p>\n
Washington-based training provider Seta was commissioned by Magna Exteriors to train engineers and support staff to ensure compliance with the latest fire safety and first aid requirements.<\/p>\n
The training partnership was further extended to include specialist training in electrical installation, electrical engineering, IOSH courses, team leader specific courses, manager safety training, electrical testing and inspection, as well as other bespoke training.<\/p>\n
Working with Magna Exteriors\u2019 continuous improvement and HR teams, Seta developed tailored training plans to ensure training was delivered around the company\u2019s busy production schedules to minimise any disruption to operations.<\/p>\n
The courses were provided by Seta through The Sunderland Skills and Inclusion Project (SSIP), which is delivered by University of Sunderland.<\/p>\n
As a partner of the SSIP, Seta provides fully funded training in subjects including \u00a0electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, machining, welding\/fabrication, safety, lean manufacturing and first aid.<\/p>\n
Mark Topping, Training and Development Officer at Magna Exteriors (Sunderland), said: \u201cWe\u2019ve received fantastic feedback from the team in response to the training delivered by Seta.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur employees are excited to have had the opportunity to build their skills further and they recognise the investment we\u2019re making in their careers long-term.<\/p>\n
\u201cEngaging with an engineering and business training specialist such as Seta demonstrates Magna Exteriors\u2019 commitment to our Sunderland workforce and shows how passionate we are about developing talent here in North East England.\u201d<\/p>\n
Magna Exteriors was recognised for its work in employee development at the North East Automotive Alliance Awards 2025, when it was shortlisted for the Employer of the Year Award. Kiera Yilmaz, Senior HR Advisor at Magna Exteriors Sunderland, was also shortlisted for Graduate of the Year Award.<\/p>\n
Robin Lockwood, Chief Executive of Seta, added: \u201cMagna Exteriors (Sunderland) is a major employer in the local area and a key part of the region\u2019s automotive supply chain, so we\u2019re delighted that through the SSIP, we have been able to help upskill its workforce.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis partnership is another example of how Seta is working with regional manufacturers to strengthen workforces and build the right foundations for future growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a partner of the Sunderland Skills and Inclusion Programme lead by the University of Sunderland, Seta can provide fully funded courses to businesses in the Sunderland City Council area.<\/p>\n
The project is funded by the Government\u2019s UK Shared Prosperity Fund Programme, managed in Sunderland by Sunderland City Council on behalf of the Sunderland Partnership.<\/p>\n
Seta is a not-for-profit group training provider, which delivers both engineering apprenticeships and specialist engineering training courses.<\/p>\n