Seymour Skills Academy and Hartlepool College of Further Education's Milestone Achievement. In a remarkable testament to the power of skill-building and educational collaboration, a Hartlepool-based skills programme has reached a significant milestone – successfully guiding its 400th learner into gainful employment. This achievement underscores the exceptional impact of Seymour Skills Academy and its partnership with Hartlepool College of Further Education in a relatively short period.
Chris Harland, like many others, had encountered challenges in securing employment before his journey with Seymour Skills Academy. However, his determination and commitment to personal growth led him to join the Gateway to Construction Programme. Through this venture, he embarked on a transformative journey, acquiring diverse skills and certifications essential for a thriving career in the construction industry.
Chris Harland's dedication paid off, as he completed his course at Seymour Skills Academy. Today, he is gainfully employed by the Hartlepool-based company PORT Homes. Reflecting on his journey, Chris shared, "My skills and confidence have grown, and the staff were nice. I am now working at PORT Homes, on the Seaton Meadows Site, putting all the skills I learned with Seymour Skills Academy to good use."
Donna King, Training Academy Manager at Seymour Civil Engineering, expressed her delight at Chris's achievement and emphasized how proud the Academy is of his journey. This milestone of supporting 400 learners into new employment is a testament to the dedicated collaboration between Seymour Civil Engineering and Hartlepool College of Further Education. Together, they've been instrumental in bridging the skills gap and facilitating individuals' reentry into the workforce. "The staff at the Academy are very proud of what he has achieved. Hitting the milestone of supporting 400 learners into new employment is something myself and team at the Academy are very proud of, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that it was Chris.” Donna said.
This achievement marks a stepping stone in the ongoing efforts of Seymour Skills Academy and Hartlepool College of Further Education. The Academy's successful partnership with PORT Homes and its utilization of industry peers to support learners in their employment endeavours highlights the importance of investing in local talent to secure local jobs.
Hartlepool College's Principal, Darren Hankey, celebrated the success by expressing the significance of this accomplishment. He shared, "We are looking forward to working closely with the Council, Seymour Civil Engineering, and PORT Homes to enable us to do more of this type of work, with the new Town Deal academy providing qualifications in bricklaying, construction engineering, welding and fabrication, and multi-skill engineering."
Chris's journey began with an expression of interest, leading him to a comprehensive training programme. Starting in March 2023, he gained various certifications, including NRSWA Street Works, Emergency First Aid at Work, Cat & Genny, CSCS Green card, Stihl Saw, and Face Fit training. His journey also encompassed Plant machinery training, culminating in certifications for Ride on Roller, Slinger Signaller, Forward Tipping Dumper, and Below 10Tone Excavator courses.
For those intrigued by the programme and seeking to embark on a similar journey, the opportunity awaits. To learn more or to enrol, interested individuals can reach out via email to info@seymourskillsacademy.co.uk.
This milestone is a testimony to the transformative potential of education, collaborative efforts, and the resolute determination of learners like Chris Harland. As Hartlepool College of Further Education and Seymour Skills Academy continue to bridge the skills gap, more doors of opportunity open for individuals seeking meaningful careers.
