Bootcamp builds paths to new careers

A Tees Valley skills programme is helping local people secure jobs while addressing shortages in the region’s construction sector.

A groundworks Skills Bootcamp, developed by partners including the North East Institute of Technology (NEIoT) and anchor partner Esh Construction, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), Hartlepool College of Further Education and regional employer Seymour Civil Engineering, has seen six of seven participants move into full-time roles.

The three-week programme, delivered in Hartlepool, combined practical training with industry-recognised qualifications, including CSCS certification, to prepare candidates for site-based work.

Training was shaped by employers to reflect real project requirements, covering areas such as health and safety, excavation, plant operations and environmental awareness.

Sharon Grant, director at NEIoT, said: “Employers and partners came together in March 2025 and identified a clear need for a practical, employer‑led solution that could remove barriers to entry, accelerate training and connect participants directly with live job opportunities. 

“The Skills Bootcamp in Groundworks not only addresses this need but also serves as a clear demonstration of NEIoT’s impact – showing how collaborative, employer‑driven initiatives can upskill the region’s workforce and create fast-track routes into meaningful, sustainable employment in civil engineering.”

Stuart Miller, director at CECA North East, added: “We’re delighted with the success of this pilot and our aim is to replicate this model more widely across the TVCA and North East Combined Authority regions. 

“From the initial idea, via months of planning and collaboration by all stakeholders, through to final execution, it's been a really positive experience to be involved in this initiative.

“Employers have really stepped up by committing to providing dozens of potential job opportunities and the quality of the learners at the ‘meet the employers’ session was impressive. 

“The successful bootcamp participants should now look forward to a long and fruitful career in the civil engineering sector and we’re proud to be developing local talent, employed by local companies to deliver local infrastructure.”

Esh Construction employed half of the cohort, highlighting strong demand for skilled groundworkers across housing, infrastructure and utilities projects.

Darush Dodds, corporate affairs director at Esh Construction, added: “For Esh, the bootcamp represents more than short‑term recruitment; it forms part of a wider company commitment to developing local talent, strengthening the regional skills pipeline and supporting economic inclusion through meaningful employment opportunities.

“This programme offers something new for our region, and we are looking forward to seeing our new recruits flourish in the sector. 

“As we continue to watch the programme unfold, it would be great to see other local authorities follow TVCA’s lead in securing funding to develop groundworkers in our other operational areas.”

With major infrastructure, housing and regeneration developments planned across the region, partners believe the bootcamp model can help ensure local people benefit from future job opportunities. 

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “These bootcamps provide exactly the kind of practical training we want to see – focused programmes which give local people the skills employers are crying out for to help people get straight into good-quality jobs. 

“With major housing, infrastructure and regeneration projects happening across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, the demand for skilled groundworkers is only going to grow.

“It’s fantastic to see the vast majority of people on this pilot already securing full-time work. 

“It shows what can be achieved when we all work together to design courses that match the real needs of businesses. 

“We’re determined to make sure local people are first in line for the opportunities being created across our region – and doubly determined to give them the chance to build long-term careers right here at home.”

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