New training centre providing opportunities for young people in Middlesbrough

A training initiative in Middlesbrough is providing opportunities for young people to learn new skills to help them into employment.

Based at the Jellystone Park training centre in Grove Hill, the training centre run by Middlesbrough Environment City has been supported by funding from Thirteen in partnership with Travis Perkins Managed Services.

Training will provide practical hands-on activities supported by the development of key skills including horticultural activities, healthy cooking using on-site ingredients, cycle maintenance skills to an accredited standard and support to improve literacy and numeracy.

The courses are run for two days a week, over six weeks with a maximum number of six participants per course and will benefit young people, particularly those who are currently unemployed or not in training.

David Scriven, horticulture project and training co-ordinator for Middlesbrough Environment City said: “Training courses such as these allow us to improve the life skills of young people who may not have the opportunity to enter formal further education after they have left school. We hope it will improve their chances of getting a job or encourage them to look for more courses that they may enjoy.”

Susan Borrow, Thirteen’s employability manager said: “Thirteen is committed to helping people get the most out of their lives by supporting them to develop their skills and helping them to find employment. Initiatives like this are vital to help people find work, gain new skills and build confidence so they can achieve their ambitions.”

Maggie Devine, social value manager Travis Perkins Managed Services added: “Travis Perkins Managed Services supply chain and procurement solutions are driven by the needs and priorities of our customers. Thirteen’s commitment and initiative to improve lives through skills development and employment opportunities is a priority we are delighted to support through our social value fund.”