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Gateshead College awarded £15m in funding

The European Social Fund, via the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), has awarded Gateshead College £15m to get more people into jobs and training.

The only college to receive money from two funds, Gateshead College will use £10m to support workforce development programmes and £5m w to support unemployed people to get back into work.

Judith Doyle, principal and chief executive at Gateshead College, was thrilled that Gateshead to be awarded the funding.

She said: “It is great news for the region as it means we can offer more support to secure the futures of our businesses, create more employment opportunities and help to grow the key industries that are crucial to the economic prosperity of the North East.

“We will take every step needed to maximise the opportunities the funding will bring by working closely with the North East LEP, businesses and key stakeholders such as the North of England Chamber of Commerce to make sure our provision is centred on meeting skills shortages, supporting the growth and success of SMEs and addressing unemployment in the industries that need it most.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to really put the North East on the map by developing and retaining an enviable highly skilled workforce that meets the needs of today’s businesses.”

James Ramsbotham, North East England Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said: “This funding award is excellent news for Gateshead College and for the North East.

“The college has a great track-record of helping to prepare young people for work, and this funding will support our SMEs to prosper and grow, creating more employment opportunities.”

Andrew Hodgson, Chair of the North East LEP, added: “This is great news for our region’s learners and testament to the hard work of Gateshead College.

“Gateshead College and our forward-looking FE sector in the North East play a vital role in ensuring we have the skilled workers our regional economy needs to compete in the global marketplace.”

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