Blyth Tall Ship launches free skills programmes

A Northumberland maritime heritage organisation is launching two free training programmes to help local people develop practical skills and take steps towards employment or further education.

Blyth Tall Ship will begin its new Engineering Futures programme in October, offering fully funded accredited NVQ learning to people aged 16 and over.

Funded by the Reece Foundation, the programme will combine structured learning with practical experience at Blyth Tall Ship’s Heritage Workshop.

Running until September 2027, sessions will take place two days a week for up to 12 hours, with participants developing engineering and employability skills in a working heritage environment.

Alongside Engineering Futures, Blyth Tall Ship is offering its Future Mariners programme for young people aged 14 to 25 from Blyth and surrounding communities.

Backed by the ScottishPower Foundation, it will provide practical STEM, maritime and employability activities, ranging from shorter two-hour sessions to full-day courses covering areas including first aid and health and safety.

Both programmes are free to eligible participants and aim to build confidence and provide pathways into work, further learning and other opportunities.

Ahead of their launch, Blyth Tall Ship will host drop-in recruitment sessions at its Heritage Workshop on Quay Road on September 18.

Potential participants can visit between 10am and noon or 1pm and 3pm to meet the team, tour the workshop and learn more about the opportunities available.

No booking is required and visitors will not be obliged to register, although those wishing to join a programme will be able to sign up on the day.

Blyth Tall Ship is also encouraging community organisations, education providers and employment support services to identify and refer people who could benefit, with partners welcome to accompany prospective participants to the sessions.

The organisation says the programmes are designed to make practical training more accessible while helping people gain recognised qualifications, strengthen their employability and explore potential careers in engineering, maritime industries and related sectors.

Siobhan Sargeant, chief executive of Blyth Tall Ship, said: “We want to make learning and skills development accessible to as many people in our community as possible, particularly those who may feel that returning to education or taking the next step is daunting.

“These programmes offer something very different from a traditional classroom environment. 

“Learners can gain recognised qualifications while developing practical skills in our unique Heritage Workshop, surrounded by the history and maritime heritage that makes Blyth Tall Ship so special.

“Whether someone is looking to gain their first qualification, build their confidence, develop new skills or take a step towards employment, we would encourage them to come along to one of our drop-in sessions.

“There is no pressure and no need to commit beforehand. 

“Come in, meet us, have a look around and have a chat. 

“It could be the first step towards something really positive.”

Anyone with questions about the programmes, eligibility or referrals can contact the Blyth Tall Ship team at hello@blythtallship.co.uk.

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