Innovative partnership delivered with Hartlepool College offers fast-track training with guaranteed job opportunities
On Wednesday 14th January, Hartlepool College was delighted to host a Skills Bootcamp “Meet the Employers” event in partnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), Seymour Skills Academy, the North East Institute of Technology (NEIoT), and the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) North East, addressing a critical skills shortage in the region's booming housing sector.
The intensive training programme, part of the Government's Lifetime Skills Guarantee, will equip learners with the essential skills needed to begin careers in the construction sector, with at least 25 job positions already identified by local employers – and potential for more. Wednesday’s event brought together a broad range of employers from the CECA membership network including Applebridge, Esh Construction, MSF, Rainton Construction, Anwen, and Seymour Civil Engineering to meet prospective applicants and connect them with the right employer and post.
This collaboration was born from discussions at the North East Institute of Technology (NEIoT), where partners identified significant gaps, specifically in groundworker training provision, across the region. The Skills Bootcamp model offered an ideal solution, providing accelerated, free training that leads directly to employment opportunities for unemployed adults aged 19 and over.
Stuart Miller, Director at CECA North East, explained: "Working in conjunction with Tees Valley Combined Authority, Seymour Skills Academy and Hartlepool College, we recognised that the Skills Bootcamp route would be an excellent way to bring new entrants into the industry. We engaged with CECA member employers to identify job vacancies, and we're pleased that at least 25 positions have been identified for the learners attending the event, with potential for more.
"The civil engineering and infrastructure sector is predicting an extremely busy workload over the next few years across Tees Valley and the wider North East. With housebuilding set to increase, water companies investing more in infrastructure, new highway schemes, and the massive investment in new industries and technologies at Teesworks, we're facing a skills shortage. We simply don't have enough people to deliver what's needed, which is why recruiting and training new talent through initiatives like this is so vital."
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “From the transformation of our railway stations to the delivery of major industrial developments, our region is leading the way on some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country.
“That’s why it’s absolutely vital that local people are first in line for the high-quality jobs these projects create, with access to the skills and training needed to deliver them successfully.
“By working together to expand these training opportunities, we’re making sure people can stay local and go far - securing well-paid, skilled careers right here in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
The programme has proven particularly attractive to those seeking a career change, with no prior experience required. Successful applicants will be provided with all necessary PPE, support with travel costs, and a guaranteed interview for a live vacancy upon successful completion – removing many of the traditional barriers to entering the construction sector.
Following the success of the new entrant route, the partnership has also launched an upskilling programme for existing groundworkers and operatives already working in the industry. This flexible initiative, running until the end of March 2026, allows employers across Tees Valley to develop their workforce with substantial government funding support.
John Cartwright, Head of Business Growth and Skills at Hartlepool College, said: “We are proud to play a key role in the development and delivery of the Skills Bootcamp in Groundworks. This collaboration working alongside CECA, NEIoT, TVCA, and some of the most forward‑thinking civil engineering organisations in the region is nothing short of inspiring.
Together, we’re creating life‑changing opportunities, opening doors to brilliant careers, and helping shape the next generation of groundworkers who will literally build the future of our communities. This collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to supporting the region’s workforce and building the foundations for future growth.”
With major infrastructure projects planned across Tees Valley and the wider North East, including developments at Teesworks and increased investment in housing and utilities, the demand for skilled groundworkers is set to grow significantly in the coming years. Hartlepool College is excited to be supporting this vital development.
Skills Bootcamps – part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee – are funded locally through the Tees Valley Combined Authority.
For more information or to register your interest in our Skills Bootcamps, please contact sam-amy.hall@hartlepoolfe.ac.uk or call 01429 857 199.
