A new skills partnership is set to build a stronger workforce and support economic growth across Hartlepool thanks to £4.5 million funding.

The major new collaboration between Hartlepool Borough Council and Hartlepool College of Further Education is opening doors to new careers, qualifications and opportunities.

It is thanks to a £4.5m investment in adult education from Tees Valley Combined Authority and means adults aged 19 and over across Hartlepool can take advantage of a mix of free full and part-time courses for qualifications and skills wanted by employers.

Subjects on offer range from English, maths, digital skills, and leadership and management, to bricklaying and welding, health and social care, hairdressing, airline cabin crew, personal training and childcare.

Left to right: Councillor Rob Darby, Sam-Amy Hall, Adult Education and Skills Officer at Hartlepool College of Further Education, and Honi Lees.

placeholder image — Left to right: Councillor Rob Darby, Sam-Amy Hall, Adult Education and Skills Officer at Hartlepool College of Further Education, and Honi Lees.

Councillor Rob Darby, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, said: “This partnership reflects our shared ambition for Hartlepool residents to have access to the skills, training and support they need to overcome barriers to learning and to thrive.

“Working closely with Hartlepool College of Further Education and with the support of Tees Valley Combined Authority, we can help more people gain the confidence, qualifications and opportunities needed to improve their employment prospects and achieve their goals."

Hartlepool College of Further Education partners with over 300 employers and is ranked first in the North East for delivering courses aligned to national skills priorities.

The courses as part of the new partnership will run until the end of July next year.

Alison Hill, Head of Adult Education the college, said: “Whether you’re looking to upskill to progress in your current role, reskill to take a new career direction, or gain your first qualification to step onto the employment ladder, there are fantastic opportunities available.

“We’re excited about what we can achieve for the people of Hartlepool through this collaborative approach, working in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council.”

The initiative is part of a wider commitment by the combined authority to invest in the skills and employability of residents across the region.

For more information contact Hartlepool Borough Council’s Hartlepool Jobs and Skills Team on (01429) 868616, email [email protected] or call into your local Hartlepool Community Hub.

You can also contact Hartlepool College of Further Education on (01429) 857199 or email [email protected]