Hartlepool college helping electronics firm recruit for 100 new jobs for ultra-fast Covid-19 test

TT Electronics’ plant at Tofts Farm Industrial Estate, in Hartlepool, is creating over 100 potential new roles for the manufacture of the Virolens device that uses microscopic holographic imaging and artificial intelligence software to give a result in around 20 seconds.

Hartlepool College of Further Education, in Stockton Street, is acting as a recruitment and training partner for the project in its fight against the virus.

Nathan Hunt, HR Manager at TT Electronics, said: “Due to the potential demand for this product and in anticipation of potential end customers converting expressions of interest into firm orders, we need to be ready to deploy production operatives who are highly trained and prepared to play a key role in bringing this device to market.”

Potential candidates are directed to Hartlepool College and its Sector-Based Work Academy Programme by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Learning and Skills Department, the Tees Valley Combined Authority and Jobcentre Plus in Hartlepool.

Mr Hunt added: “The responsiveness and support we have received from Hartlepool College has been second-to-none.

“The college has a fantastic reputation in the local area and is well-positioned to provide the recruitment and job onboarding support that we crucially need to get Virolens to market quickly.

“Virolens has the potential to create many high quality, sustainable new jobs at TT Electronics in Hartlepool.”

The link between the college and TT Electronics comes as the Association of Colleges calls on the government to scrap universal credit claimant rules which prevent people from participating in learning or training if they receive unemployment benefits.

Alison Hill, the college’s contracts manager, said: “We have showcased how agile we are to employers by reacting to their needs instantaneously.

"The strong partnership we have with Learning and Skills, Jobcentre Plus and the Tees Valley Combined Authority shows that the employer and those people who want to get into work are the ones who benefit most.”

The programme will lead to learners receiving Level 1 employability skills and health and safety, Level 2 in lean manufacturing and industrial environmental awareness as well as real world production line skills which is delivered by TT Electronics.

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