Teesside partnership creates pathways to work

A Teesside college and housing provider have partnered to create new routes into work and training.

Middlesbrough College has joined forces with Thirteen Housing Group to connect residents across the region with training, education and career pathways.

The partnership was formalised with a Memorandum of Understanding, cementing a shared commitment to supporting access to work and learning opportunities.

Officials say the collaboration will deliver a range of initiatives, from apprenticeships and adult learning programmes to industry placements for T Level students and community-based skills training. 

By combining Thirteen’s role as one of Teesside’s largest employers and housing providers with Middlesbrough College’s expertise in technical education, the partnership aims to bridge skills gaps and support local recruitment.

Key activities will include providing industry placements and T Level opportunities for students, developing apprenticeships and upskilling programmes for Thirteen employees and customers, as well as running skills bootcamps and bespoke training to help unemployed adults and NEETs move into sustainable employment.

The partnership also seeks to create local jobs linked to regeneration projects, ensuring that investment benefits communities directly. 

Gary Potts, vice principal: business, innovation and community partnerships at Middlesbrough College, said: “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to creating opportunities that make a real difference in people’s lives. 

“By working closely with Thirteen, a valued neighbour and key anchor institution in Middlesbrough, we can connect education with employment, ensuring our students gain valuable industry experience while supporting local people to develop the skills employers need.  

“It also enables Thirteen to build the skilled workforce they will need for the future.

“Together, we’re helping to build a stronger, more inclusive Tees Valley economy.”

Joanne Lawther, director of people and culture at Thirteen Housing Group, added: “Following recent Government funding commitments, we’re expecting to really ramp up the delivery of much-needed quality new homes over the next decade. 

“That’s going to open up all kinds of opportunities – not just with Thirteen, but with our contractors and supply chains too.

“We want to make sure local people are well-placed to take full advantage of those opportunities and this partnership will strengthen how we work with Middlesbrough College to achieve that. 

“We helped 865 customers into jobs and training last year and we’re ambitious to do more.”

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