We are incredibly proud to announce that Hartlepool College of Further Education, in partnership with Seymour Civil Engineering and Seymour Skills Academy, has won the prestigious Best Workplace Readiness Scheme award at the AELP Apprenticeship & Training Awards.
Held at the end of the annual Apprenticeship & Training Conference (ATC) in Liverpool, this award is a powerful recognition of the impact we are making in bridging the construction skills gap and transforming lives through high-quality, industry-focused training. Presented by FE Week and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), in association with City & Guilds, the accolade was awarded after a rigorous selection process, with over 600 nominations across 19 categories.
Our Gateway to Construction programme, delivered at Seymour Skills Academy on Brenda Road, Hartlepool, was chosen by a panel of 20 expert judges, including AELP CEO Ben Rowland, apprenticeship influencer Holly Hobbs, former skills minister Anne Milton, and UCAS head of apprenticeships Lindsay Conroy.
Darren Hankey, Principal at Hartlepool College of Further Education, which works closely with the Academy, said:
“This award celebrates our shared commitment to transforming lives through industry-focused, outstanding training. We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised in this way. Congratulations to our dedicated staff and partners at Seymour Skills Academy – this award belongs to everyone who has contributed to this life-changing initiative.”
With funding from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority through its Adult Skills Fund, the Gateway to Construction programme has already helped hundreds of people launch successful careers in construction. Impressively, 75% of our learners go on to secure direct employment in the construction and engineering sectors.
At Seymour Skills Academy, we ensure that learners leave fully prepared for the workplace from day one. Our graduates gain essential industry certifications, including Health & Safety, CSCS cards, NRSWA Streetworks, and specialist plant operation training.
Donna King, Manager at Seymour Skills Academy, said:
“Winning the award for Best Workplace Readiness Scheme is a testament to the strength of our partnership with Hartlepool College of Further Education and the real impact we’re making together. Through Gateway to Construction, we’ve helped over 870 learners secure new employment, transforming lives and building brighter futures.“
She added:
“We are passionate about creating opportunities for the long-term unemployed, disadvantaged, and hard-to-reach groups, helping them develop the skills needed to succeed. This milestone makes us incredibly proud, and we remain committed to empowering even more individuals with the opportunities they deserve, while working to bridge the industry skills gap.“
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen praised the programme, highlighting its vital role in supporting the region’s growing workforce:
“We are bringing thousands of new construction jobs to Teesside, Hartlepool, and Darlington through world-leading energy projects, transport network improvements, and quality new housing developments. It’s essential that local people have access to the training they need to build their careers and support industry demands. Gateway to Construction is a fantastic example of how we are working together with businesses and colleges to make that happen. This award is a well-deserved recognition of the positive impact being made.“
For us at Seymour Skills Academy and Seymour Civil Engineering, this award highlights the power of collaboration between education and industry. It’s how we address skills shortages, create meaningful opportunities, and drive local economic growth. We remain committed to expanding our reach, transforming even more lives, and continuing to build a skilled workforce for the future.