Full Report: New apprenticeships on Teesside
Firms at Wilton will be the very first in the country to have complete freedom over how their apprentices are trained with government cash.
The bid was spearheaded by Sembcorp on behalf of the Wilton site, and is due to be finalised next month.
The bid leaders spoke exclusively to our Industrial Correspondent Rachel Bullock in this report below.
More top news
Campaigners continue fight to save Friarage services
Campaigners from the Save the Friarage group say they will continue to fight the proposals to downgrade children's and maternity services.
Pools appoint Cooper as new boss
Hartlepool United have appointed Colin Cooper as the club's new manager with Craig Hignett as his assistant boss
Newcastle offer backing to Pardew
Newcastle United have released a statement ending speculation over Alan Pardew's future as manager