Engineering training provider Seta has delivered training to more than 100 employees at vehicle exteriors specialist Magna Exteriors (Sunderland).
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.
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.
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.
Working with Magna Exteriors’ continuous improvement and HR teams, Seta developed tailored training plans to ensure training was delivered around the company’s busy production schedules to minimise any disruption to operations.
The courses were provided by Seta through The Sunderland Skills and Inclusion Project (SSIP), which is delivered by University of Sunderland.
As a partner of the SSIP, Seta provides fully funded training in subjects including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, machining, welding/fabrication, safety, lean manufacturing and first aid.
Mark Topping, Training and Development Officer at Magna Exteriors (Sunderland), said: “We’ve received fantastic feedback from the team in response to the training delivered by Seta.
“Our employees are excited to have had the opportunity to build their skills further and they recognise the investment we’re making in their careers long-term.
“Engaging with an engineering and business training specialist such as Seta demonstrates Magna Exteriors’ commitment to our Sunderland workforce and shows how passionate we are about developing talent here in North East England.”
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.
Robin Lockwood, Chief Executive of Seta, added: “Magna Exteriors (Sunderland) is a major employer in the local area and a key part of the region’s automotive supply chain, so we’re delighted that through the SSIP, we have been able to help upskill its workforce.
“This partnership is another example of how Seta is working with regional manufacturers to strengthen workforces and build the right foundations for future growth.”
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.
The project is funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund Programme, managed in Sunderland by Sunderland City Council on behalf of the Sunderland Partnership.
Seta is a not-for-profit group training provider, which delivers both engineering apprenticeships and specialist engineering training courses.
More information can be found at: https://seta.co.uk/SunderlandUKSPF
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