A major new partnership between Hartlepool Borough Council and Hartlepool College of Further Education is opening up exciting free learning opportunities for local residents.
It's thanks to a £4.5m investment in adult education from Tees Valley Combined Authority.
It reflects a clear commitment to helping adults aged 19 and over across Hartlepool gain valuable qualifications and develop the skills needed to take their first steps into employment, progress in work or change careers.
Residents can access a range of high-quality learning opportunities tailored to both their ambitions and the needs of local employers, helping build a stronger workforce and support economic growth across the borough.
The courses – a mix of both full-time and part-time, offering a clear learning journey from pre-entry to level 3 - will run until the end of July next year.
There is a wide range of subjects on offer, from English, maths, digital skills, leadership and management, bricklaying and welding to health and social care, accounting, women’s hairdressing, airline cabin crew, personal training and childcare, to name just a few.
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, ideally positioning the College to support local people into meaningful, sustainable careers.
Left to right: Councillor Rob Darby, Sam-Amy Hall, Adult Education and Skills Officer at Hartlepool College of Further Education, and Honi Lees look forward to the exciting new partnership.
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."
Alison Hill, Head of Adult Education at Hartlepool College of Further Education, said: “It’s an exciting time to be a Hartlepool resident aged 19 or over, with a total of £4.5 million combined through this partnership to support adults in gaining qualifications free of charge.
“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 forms part of the wider commitment by Tees Valley Combined Authority to invest in the skills and employability of residents across the region, ensuring local people can access training that aligns with current and future workforce needs.
Honi Lees, Business Solutions Manager at Tees Valley Combined Authority, said: “This partnership is helping ensure local people have access to the skills and qualifications they need to succeed in work and take advantage of the exciting employment opportunities being created across Hartlepool and the wider Tees Valley.
"By bringing together Hartlepool Borough Council and Hartlepool College, we are making the most of Adult Skills Fund investment to reach more residents, support them to develop new skills and qualifications, and help meet the needs of local employers.
“This collaborative approach will help more people progress into work, advance their careers and contribute to economic growth across the region."
To find out more about the free qualifications and training available, contact:
- Hartlepool Borough Council’s Hartlepool Jobs and Skills Team on 01429 868616, email jobs.skills@hartlepool.gov.uk or call into your local Hartlepool Community Hub.
- Hartlepool College of Further Education on 01429 857199 or email employerservices@hartlepoolfe.ac.uk