New green skills training centre officially opens its doors in Jarrow
North East residents can learn the skills of the industries of tomorrow at a new Jarrow training centre.
The Staffpower Training Centre, on the Bede Industrial Estate, in Jarrow, was officially opened by Cllr Martin Gannon, the North East Deputy Mayor, on Wednesday, January 14.
The 8,573 sq ft facility aims to support the North East’s skills agenda by working with employers and local leaders to develop green industry skills, create employment and drive growth in the region’s communities.
It 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.
Anyone learning at the training hub will also be offered Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards, at no cost, to help 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.”
All courses delivered at the Staffpower Training 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.
Speaking after the opening, the Deputy Mayor commented: “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 and representatives from Staffpower Group joined the Deputy Mayor for the opening, as it aligns with the local authority’s employability agenda and its Build a Stronger South Tyneside campaign.
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, added: “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.”