Columnist

A collaborative approach to skills development

In my previous column, I indicated that while the construction sector was growing, skills remain a huge challenge.

Sector attractiveness and the skills issue is one of the key drivers for Construction Alliance North East (CAN).

It is for this reason I am extremely heartened by the North East Combined Authority’s decision to award £3 million to Gateshead College as part of its first wave of funding to address the critical skills gap and support the growth of the regional economy.

This new funding, which I understand is part of a £17 million package for the region, will enable the college to offer free, flexible training courses to eligible individuals and at a subsidised rate to employers who wish to use skills bootcamps to develop their current workforce.

While this funding for the college will touch a wide range of sector training, I am delighted construction is in the mix, and that course content has been designed hand-in-hand with local businesses to deliver the skills the region needs.

Congratulations to Gateshead College on the funding, and to the North East Combined Authority too for the leadership and financial support it is showing in the area of skills development.

At CAN, we know first-hand colleges across the North East are a driving force for positive change, and that when they work in collaboration with an engaged and committed business community and are backed by funding, the region is well placed to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Tim Barrett is chair of Construction Alliance North East

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