Hartlepool workers get early Christmas present as their jobs are saved from redundancy

Learning Curve Group CEO Brenda McLeish (on fork lift) with the staff who have been saved from Total Training in Hartlepool. Picture by Keith Taylor.

Eleven members of staff at Total Training Limited in Hartlepool, and courses they provide in forklift driving, warehousing, employability and groundworks, and health and safety were at risk.

But they have been saved after Learning Curve Group (LCG), who already run a beauty academy in the Gemini Centre in Hartlepool town centre, has stepped in to save it.

Following discussions with Total Training, based in the Midlands, LCG have taken on the lease of its training centre in Mainsforth Terrace, Hartlepool, meaning it is business as usual for staff, employers and learners.

Learning Curve say the move ensures that in-demand commercial and government-funded training delivered by the centre will be able to continue and also offers the chance to expand.

It is also hoping to add to the existing courses provided by the centre.

Total Training have a contract to provide training with the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Brenda McLeish, CEO of Learning Curve Group, said: “After being enabled to take on Total Training’s AEB (adult education budget) contract through the Tees Valley Combined Authority, the opportunity to step in and keep this centre going makes complete sense for us.

“We already deliver provision in Hartlepool within a number of sectors including beauty, health and social care, childcare and mental health; helping over 753 learners reach their potential each year.

“I’m looking forward to continuing and developing the provision the centre delivers and providing much needed investment in resources that the people and businesses of Hartlepool need and deserve.

“It’s especially heartwarming to be able to provide some positivity for the town during the recent uncertain political climate and especially at Christmas time – ensuring employment security for the existing workforce at the centre.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming them into the #PurplePeople family at Team LCG.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “I’m really pleased that this important training provision will continue so that the people of Hartlepool can continue to receive the training needed to take advantage of the jobs being created in the Tees Valley.”