17,000 adults supported by Tees Valley education funding

More than 17,000 learners supported by £30million of local education cash

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Tees Valley’s adult education budget helped over 17,000 adults improve their skills during its first year of devolution, despite pandemic-related disruption.

By The Tees Editorial Desk · 16 February 2021

A learner at the DTN Academy receiving practical fibre optic training. Image: Image: Tees Valley Combined AuthorityOriginal source

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New figures released on 16 February show that more than 17,000 adults across the Tees Valley have improved their skills through the regional adult education budget during its first year of devolved control.

Despite challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, training providers shifted to online delivery to maintain support for those seeking to gain new qualifications. The funding for the 2021/22 academic year has been confirmed at £30.5million.

One beneficiary of the scheme is Carla Wood, a former self-employed dressmaker. After seeing a downturn in her business during the pandemic, she enrolled in the DTN Academy’s Cabling Network Engineer course. She successfully transitioned into a new role as a Telecommunications Engineer with Map Group UK after completing the training.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen noted that local control of the budget allows for training to be targeted at priority sectors within the regional economy. Cllr Bob Cook, cabinet lead for education, added that the flexible funding allows local providers to adapt to the needs of the population and ensure continued access to training.

Archive : This story is based on reporting originally published by Tees Valley Combined Authority on 2021-02-16. The original source image has been and credited.