£15m to boost employee training across the North East

Approximately 17,500 employees across the region could receive personal development support from “basic” to “degree level” from £15m fund.

The North East Workforce Skills Programme is a European Social Fund (ESF) project, delivered by a consortium of Further and Higher Education providers in the North East, led by the University of Sunderland.

The programme promotes education, skills and learning that offers employers as well as training solutions which support businesses to grow.

Employers can access the ESF funding to address CPD requirements within their business up to a maximum of £200k over a three-year period if private sector, and with no limit if public sector.

Sir David Bell, vice chancellor and chief executive at the University of Sunderland, said: “Colleges and universities in the region are very well-placed to support businesses in their development and expansion plans.

“Investing in staff is a great way to achieve success and we can help in providing education and training in many specialisms and at different levels, depending on the skills’ needs of staff.”

Tim Pain, assistant director responsible for North East Workforce Skills, explained: “This is a major opportunity for employers to secure investment in the development of their staff.

“The consortium’s offer is wide-ranging, from college and university programmes to specialist providers, so there is something to suit everyone, and the funding’s there to make it happen. I would encourage any employer spending Apprenticeship Levy to get in touch.”