Academy lays foundations for construction careers

A new initiative is transforming opportunities in Gateshead, offering hands-on training in construction skills to boost employment and support local regeneration projects.

The Sanderson Skills Academy, established by Gateshead Regeneration Partnership’s (GRP) delivery partner Vistry North East, is set to provide courses for hundreds of children, young people and unemployed residents over the next three years.

Located at GRP’s Freight Village development, the academy was named in memory of former Vistry employee Ross Sanderson, whose career began as a trainee before his untimely passing in 2019.

Ross’ parents, Graham and Julie Sanderson, joined with GRP representatives to speak with young people already using the resource to enhance their own learning.

Julie said: “The naming of this fantastic skills academy in Ross' memory means so much to us.

“We are continually humbled by the regard in which his former colleagues hold him and that his memory remains strong. It is clear he made a big impression on so many people.

“Ross would really have approved of this. Before he joined Vistry North East - as a trainee himself - Ross was involved in performing arts and was a tutor and mentor to younger performers.

“He said at the time that tutoring was one of the most rewarding things he had done as he was able to help young people develop confidence and skills they could take forward and use in their future.

“Although in a very different industry, I'm sure that the Sanderson Skills Academy will achieve just this.”

Sean Egan, managing director with Vistry North East, added: “We are delighted to be opening the Sanderson Skills Academy, named in memory of our much-loved colleague Ross.

“I’m sure that this excellent resource will inspire a new generation of people looking to make their own way in the construction sector – just as Ross did when he joined us as a trainee back in 2014.

“Vistry Group has seen great outcomes on similar academies across the UK – with a view to addressing skills shortages - and I’m confident our first North East-based project will be no different.

“Working with our GRP partners to widen the courses available, further highlights the benefits of partnership working. It’s not just about delivering houses; it’s about enhancing communities and providing opportunities.”

Courses available will include a ‘Step into Construction’ programme, a retrofit qualification, a construction multi-skills course and a net-zero themed ‘Step into Green Skills’ programme. 

They will be delivered by Gateshead Council Learning and Skills and training providers Optimum Skills and TRN, providing participants with the opportunity to learn on-site, using real materials and gaining industry insight.

GRP, a partnership involving Gateshead Council, Vistry and Home Group, has already built 570 homes across 10 borough sites, with plans to construct 169 additional homes over the next year. It commits to ensuring 25 per cent of jobs and training opportunities benefit local residents and to spending a quarter of its supply budget with borough-based businesses.

Andy Hall, North East regional director of operations at Home Group, added: “We’re delighted to be involved in the Sanderson Skills Academy, especially as it is delivering courses that are so important to the housing sector and beyond.

“A big challenge for housing associations is retrofitting our homes and meeting our targets for net-zero. So, it is great to see retrofit and green skills programmes on the curriculum.”

Pictured above, from left to right, are Daniel Dunbar, who is undertaking a multi-skills course; Sean Egan, managing director of Vistry North East; Kai Newbold, who is on a supported internship with Learning and Skills; Cllr John Adams, cabinet member for adult social care and chair of governors at Learning Skills at Gateshead Council; Andy Hall, North East regional director with Home Group; Maddison Sullivan, undertaking a study programme in construction; Cllr Leigh Kirton, cabinet member for economy and communications; with Julie and Graham Sanderson, Ross Sanderson's parents.

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