The TDR Trust

The TDR Trust

TDR was conceived and launched by industry in the 1990s with the primary objective of creating a world-class skills pool to sustain the people needs of the engineering industry. It is a charitable trust supported by TDR Training – a wholly-owned trading subsidiary – guaranteeing that TDR remain independent, forward-thinking and sustainable.

Since its inception, TDR has been acknowledged as a leading source of advice, support, learning, training and people development for engineering, manufacturing and science. Strategic partnerships, with employers and other charities whose objectives align with TDR, have underpinned its development and growth, and its heritage goes back much further than the 1990s.

Over a hundred years earlier, in 1882, William Doxford, one of the great Victorian engineers, established the North East Coast Engineering Trust. His vision was to establish a legacy that would ensure engineering skills were passed on to future generations and he provided a skills fund for that purpose. In 2002, with their shared aim of inspiring young people to embark on a career in science and engineering, TDR partnered with Doxford’s charity providing support and resources, and in 2009 concluded a full merger.

Ron Dodd MBE, was a founding member of the TDR Trust and he generously donated a funds package to establish a scholarship programme. TDR training matched the investment from its own resources, and established a scholarship investment portfolio. Contributors to the Ron Dodd TDR Scholarship include Eric Dodd and Julian Coulthard. Each year, a cash award is granted to an individual or organisation in recognition of their contribution to engineering, manufacturing or science.

Just as we value our heritage, we also look to the future. At every stage in our growth The TDR Trust charitable objectives have been, and will continue to be, our driving force.

We still proudly feature the 1884 Coat of Arms, with its ‘By Science, Industry and Honour’ motto, on the certificates of achievement awarded to learners on successful completion of their training courses.