Training centre expansion in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent

PM Training has completed the purchase of Cleveland Works on College Road, Hanley, along with Atlas Works, which currently serves as its main training centre.

Investing in bricks and mortar training facilities

PM Training first set up in Cleveland Works in 1982, before moving to the neighbouring Atlas Works in 2009. The business now plans to regenerate its former offices as part of its long-term growth.

 

Dan Canavan, Executive Director of PM Training, said: “We’re excited to bring Cleveland Works back to its former glory. PM Training first started here nearly 40 years ago,  so it’s like our spiritual home.

 

“The site needs some work before we can move in, but we have a few plans for how we can use the facilities as we look to the future and explore our options to consolidate our services and expand the business.

“There’s an increasing demand for growth in skills and apprentices in our region and since moving into Atlas Works in 2009 we’ve more than tripled the numbers of learners we work with every year. The purchase of these premises reflects our continued growth in numbers and ongoing success as the place to go for apprenticeships in the city.”

PM Training is part of we are aspire, which also comprises Aspire Housing and Realise charity. Aspire’s Executive Director of Property Dan Gray oversaw the purchase.

Dan Gray said: “We’re delighted to complete the purchase on Cleveland Works and Atlas Works. The properties not only hold an important place in PM Training’s history, but in the heritage of Stoke-on-Trent.

“The buildings are ideally situated for their purpose, located within easy access of Hanley city centre, on the northern end of the university quarter and central to many local businesses. There’s a lot of potential for expanding PM Training and we’re currently looking at ideas and scope for how best to utilise the site.”

A piece of Stoke-on-Trent heritage

Built in the 19^th century, the buildings serve as a reminder of the industrial heritage in the region. Cleveland Works started life as a pottery factory, whereas Atlas Works was constructed as an iron foundry and engineering works, before being converted to a pottery manufacturer.

In 2017, Atlas Works was renamed The Canavan Centre in memory of PM Training’s founder Sean Canavan.