Bespoke bootcamps help Teesside’ s workforce upskill for the future
TRAINING
Lesson – Middlesbrough College’ s Skills Bootcamp brings training to AV Dawson’ s Port of Middlesbrough facility, allowing employees to develop their skills in a real work environment.
STEPPING
FORWARD
Workforce – the bootcamps can be used to upskill existing and new staff and help businesses address skills gaps in sectors such as logistics, engineering and warehousing.
Bespoke bootcamps help Teesside’ s workforce upskill for the future
Middlesbrough College has teamed up with AV Dawson, the owner and operator of the Port of Middlesbrough, to deliver a bespoke Skills Bootcamp programme aimed at upskilling their port operative team.
Skills Bootcamps are a governmentfunded initiative providing flexible training courses for adults aged 19 and over.
They last up to 16 weeks and can be used to upskill existing and new staff, helping to provide the workforce with new technical skills and industryrecognised qualifications, supporting career progression and helping businesses address skills gaps in vital sectors such as logistics, engineering and warehousing.
Supporting workforce development through Skills Bootcamps Delivered through Middlesbrough College’ s Adult and Community Learning Centre, the Bootcamps have been developed in collaboration with AV Dawson and other local employers to meet both current and future business needs.
Designed to be flexible and accessible, these programmes offer funded practical training to people across the region’ s workforce – helping them build new skills, boost employability and step into more advanced roles within their organisations.
Importantly, training is delivered on-site at AV Dawson’ s Port of Middlesbrough facility, allowing employees to develop their skills in a real work environment.
The programme also actively involves company managers to ensure each Bootcamp is tailored to operational needs and is directly relevant to their teams’ dayto-day responsibilities.
Karen Woodland, associate director, business development and subcontracting, adult and community learning at Middlesbrough College, said:“ Skills Bootcamps are a fantastic way to respond quickly to the needs of local employers, and our partnership with AV Dawson is a great example of how flexible, tailored training can directly support business growth.
“ By designing a bespoke programme, we’ ve been able to upskill individuals with exactly the right mix of practical and industry-relevant skills, benefitting both the business and the wider Tees Valley economy.”
Training built around real business needs This latest collaboration builds on Middlesbrough College’ s relationship with AV Dawson in apprenticeship delivery and highlights the growing importance of employer-led, sector-specific training in strengthening the region’ s economy.
By working closely with businesses such as AV Dawson, the college ensures participants gain skills that align directly with operational requirements – making an immediate impact within the workplace.
Louise Croce, people and culture director at AV Dawson, added:“ Building on the success and positive feedback from our pilot group, we have now launched three further cohorts, which have shown strong engagement.
“ Employees feel valued and appreciate the investment in their development. These Skills Bootcamps not only support their individual growth but also empower them to mentor and shape the next generation of our workforce.
“ A huge thank you to Middlesbrough College for their dedication to understanding our business. Their tailored approach and engaging trainers have made this programme a great experience for our team.”
Future opportunities for growth The AV Dawson programme is just one example of how Middlesbrough College is partnering with local employers to deliver tailored bootcamps that meet sectorspecific demands.
Looking ahead, the college plans to expand its bootcamp provision further, developing bespoke training opportunities for additional industries, including childcare, information, advice and guidance and more – all built around flexible, employer-focused delivery models that take training directly to the workplace.
If your organisation is looking to invest in its people and strengthen its future workforce, get in touch to find out how Middlesbrough College’ s Skills Bootcamps could support your growth plans.
For more information or to discuss partnership opportunities and bespoke training needs for your workforce, email Karen Woodland at karen. woodland @ northernskills. co. uk
26 | Tees Business