“ Other areas just don’ t have what we have next door to them – hundreds of businesses employing thousands of people across the full range of job skills.
“ We have an incredible combination of training providers, strong relationships with local colleges like Bishop Auckland College, and then the sheer diversity of employers on the park.“ It’ s a massive opportunity for schools in our area.” But like Thomas, she sees the need for long-term support.“ The more those relationships can be built the better,” she adds.
“ And, for the employers, this is your future workforce – the sons and daughters of your employees are the next generation of staff.
“ We’ ve developed this fantastic model that we believe is groundbreaking, and yet we can’ t seem to get the money to sustain it.”
22 | Aycliffe Business