A South Tyneside training provider is building on a period of significant growth after securing a major partnership with Northern Gas Networks to deliver specialist training for newly recruited Gas Operatives across the North East.
The agreement marks the latest milestone for Simply Learning, which last year invested more than £1 million in expanding its headquarters and training facilities in Jarrow following its acquisition by UK National. The investment enabled the company to increase training capacity, create jobs and strengthen its support for businesses operating across the construction, utilities and renewable energy sectors.
Under the new partnership, recruits from six Northern Gas Networks sites across the region will complete specialist Network Construction Operations (NCO) training at a dedicated Gas Network Training Zone developed by Simply Learning at its Jarrow facility.
Northern Gas Networks provides gas infrastructure to more than 2.9 million homes and businesses across the North of England and is continuing to modernise its network to support future energy needs.
Claire Irving, Managing Director of Simply Learning, said:
“We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Northern Gas Networks to become their training provider in the North. We have developed a really strong training programme which includes elements of our existing training courses, with specific bespoke elements delivered exclusively for NGN.”
As part of their induction, trainees will spend two weeks at the specialist centre in South Tyneside, completing training that leads to a recognised Network Construction Operations qualification and supports their progression into operational roles.
The first cohort began training in September, with the company estimating that up to 16 new trainees per month could progress through the programme.
The partnership also means recruits can complete their training closer to their place of work. Previously, trainees were required to travel to Yorkshire to undertake this element of their development.
Chris Adair, Apprenticeship and Training Development Manager at Northern Gas Networks, said:
“Having this partnership with Simply Learning means that we are improving the delivery levels for our trainees not just in quality but in quality of life. The team has delivered a programme that is unique to our organisation and will ensure that our people have exceptional training from the beginning.”
The contract win represents further progress for Simply Learning, which has helped upskill thousands of people over the past two decades and continues to expand its training offer in response to growing demand for skilled workers across infrastructure, construction and energy sectors. The latest investment and partnership reinforce South Tyneside’s growing reputation as a centre for skills development, helping businesses access the talent they need to grow while creating new opportunities for people across the region.
For more information about Simply Learning see: https://simply-learning.co.uk/
