Residents of the North East are set to be offered an opportunity to learn the skills of the industries of tomorrow after a new green training centre opened its doors.
North East Deputy Mayor, Cllr Martin Gannon, joined training providers from Staffpower Group and representatives from South Tyneside Council to officially open the Staffpower Training Centre on Bede Industrial Estate, Jarrow.
The 8,573 sq ft facility aims to support the region’s skills agenda by working with employers and local leaders to develop green skills, create employment and drive growth in communities across the North East.
Martin Harrison, business development manager at Staffpower Group
The hub will provide fully-funded courses in areas such as loft insulation, solar panel installation, asbestos removal and heat pumps and will have the capacity to train up to 65 people at any given time. Those learning at the centre will also be offered Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards, at no cost, helping them take their first steps onto the career ladder.
Martin Harrison, business development manager at Staffpower Group, said:
“We’re incredibly proud that the Staffpower Training Centre is now open for business.
“The state-of-the-art campus marks a major investment for Staffpower Group and reflects our ongoing commitment to help people from all backgrounds secure skilled, future-proofed careers.
“By delivering fully-funded training in key green technologies and construction disciplines, our aim is to help develop the skilled workforce required to build and retrofit the UK’s homes of tomorrow. We’re thrilled to be playing a part in strengthening the region’s economy and supporting the North East’s journey towards Net Zero.”
The UK Government recently reiterated its commitment to creating 400,000 Net Zero jobs by 2030 and Staffpower Group hopes the training centre will play a key role in ensuring the North East remains at the forefront of the UK’s green industrial revolution.
All courses delivered at the new centre will be fully funded through a combination of support from Government, the North East Combined Authority and leading industry partners, including Robertsons Construction, Karbon Homes and Bernicia Homes.
Cllr Martin Gannon, Deputy Mayor of the North East, said:
“Thanks to the Mayor’s New Deal for North East Workers, our region is fast becoming recognised as a real trailblazer when it comes to developing green skills and clean-energy innovation, and new developments like this campus will be key to ensuring we continue building on this success as we deliver the Mayor’s ambition for a green energy revolution.
“It gives me great pride to have officially opened the first Staffpower Training Centre, which will support people across our region to gain the skills needed for the good, secure jobs of the future, while ensuring our region continues to play a key role in helping the government realise its ambition of creating 400,000 Net Zero jobs by 2030.”
Representatives from South Tyneside Council joined the Deputy Mayor and representatives from Staffpower Group for the opening, as it aligns with the local authority’s employability agenda and its Build a Stronger South Tyneside campaign, which champions inclusive, high-quality job opportunities for local people.
Councillor Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council said:
“This new facility is a fantastic addition to South Tyneside and aligns perfectly with our Build a Stronger South Tyneside campaign.
“It will open up opportunities for local residents to gain new skills, access high-quality training and take on good jobs in growing sectors.
“Not only does it support our ambitions around sustainability and Net Zero, but it also contributes directly to our vision of ensuring inclusive economic growth that benefits our communities.”
For more information on Staffpower Group, visit: https://www.staffpowergroup.com/
For more information on Building a Stronger South Tyneside – a range of support available for South Tyneside employers to help them build a diverse, inclusive, and thriving workforce see: Building a Stronger South Tyneside – Invest South Tyneside
