Middlesbrough College embarks on latest phase of investment

It is set to create facilities for adult education, health and care students and the development of ‘green’ skills after being awarded almost £7 million.

Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive [pictured, above], said: “This is such an exciting time for the college and for everyone involved in expanding and improving learning opportunities for people right across the Tees Valley.

“Securing this additional funding will mean we can do even more to help students achieve their career goals, regardless of the issues and challenges they may face, and increase the number of skilled, qualified and motivated workers in the region.

“Our mission has always been to help our students aim higher and succeed in whatever they set their sights on doing, and this latest funding will go a long way towards achieving that.”

Nearly £6 million of the funding has come from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, with a chunk set to used to help buy 100 Russell Street, in Middlesbrough town centre, which will act as the headquarters of the college’s Adult and Community Learning Centre.

The centre presently helps more than 800 people a year access learning and skills that enable them to get into employment or lead directly to a job.

Karen Woodland, head of community learning and outreach at the centre, said: “This acquisition will make a massive difference to the number of people who we can help in Middlesbrough and the surrounding area, and to the quality and range of skills and training courses we can provide.

“It’s a genuinely transformational move for the centre and for the people we help, and we can’t wait to get started.”

In addition to money from the Levelling Up Fund, Middlesbrough College has also secured £520,000 as part of the Local Skills Improvement Plan – the skills and training blueprint for Tees Valley.

Bosses say it will provide an educational environment for all students enrolled in a health and care course with a holistic programme of learning.