The group of 10 colleges have been backed by North East mayor Kim McGuinness
Colleges from around the North East have come together to form an organisation that aims to improve skills in the region. North East mayor Kim McGuinness hopes the new organisation can help shape the region’s future by providing skilled workers in key industries.
Colleges for North East England – which follows a similar group bringing together the North East’s universities – brings together Bishop Auckland College, Derwentside College, East Durham College, Education Partnership North East (Sunderland College, Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form), Gateshead College, Newcastle College, New College Durham, and Tyne Coast College. The North East Combined Authority is also involved.
The members of new organisation have a combined 62,000 students and are aiming to improve vocational education, focussing on high growth areas. They also want to set up new programmes to tackle poverty.
In addition, the organisation will have a lobbying role, pushing for policies that support the education, skills and workforce needs of the North East. And it has pledged to work with business leaders to ensure the region’s colleges are providing the right courses for new staff.
The colleges hope that joint working will be a “game changer” for the North East and say they are “ready to make a significant contribution to the region’s future, tackling today’s challenges and creating tomorrow’s opportunities”.
In a joint statement, the colleges said: “The North East’s further education colleges are instrumental in shaping the future of our region by cultivating a highly skilled workforce, fuelling economic development, and promoting social equity.
“Together, we serve communities right across the North East and impact the lives of tens of thousands of people every year. By working in partnership, we will strengthen the impact of further and higher education in our region and beyond, championing our sector and advocating for the prosperity of everyone in our communities.”
“With a shared vision and clear goals, this partnership paves the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for the North East. It ensures the region stays at the forefront of education, innovation, and sustainable development.”
Ms McGuinness said: “Our fantastic colleges in the North East are integral to giving local people the skills they need to secure a well-paid job and climb the career ladder. So, it’s inspiring to see the region’s leading colleges coming together in this new partnership.
“I’m particularly pleased that one of their key aims is to make sure people from all backgrounds can attend courses. This partnership will only build on the strength of our educational institutions, creating even more potential for innovation and economic growth.”
