College new build project will launch the careers of five young people

To coincide with National Apprenticeship Week (February 9 – 15), Castle, principal contractor for the build of the new South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School, is helping to launch the careers of five young people.

The apprenticeships will be created via the Castle supply chain and will commence at various stages through the lifecycle of the project.

In addition, a cohort of T Level students studying Building Services Engineering for Construction at South Tyneside College, will start on site from February to May on four-week block placements.

The new college project is a partnership between Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council; delivered by award-winning, Castle. It is being funded by Tyne Coast College, the North East Combined Authority as part of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ drive to revitalise high streets, Department for Education and UK Government.

Craig Muldoon, divisional director Build at Castle, said: “Providing trades apprenticeships for young people via our established and trusted supply chain is an important part of our engagement programme for this project.

“This announcement coincides with National Apprenticeship Week, the campaign to highlight and celebrate the trades that young people can embark upon to forge amazing careers. The week also has specific significance to our own business as both our CEO, Tony Lister and managing director, Andrew Dawson, along with many other members of our team, all started their careers as apprentices and have gone on to be highly successful.

“Providing work experience for college students is also something we are very committed to. In collaboration with the college, we will welcome a cohort of T Level students who will undertake four-week block placements. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to get a real feel for the construction sector and the day-to-day activity that takes place on a project such as this.”

Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE, chief executive of Tyne Coast College, said: “As a college rooted in the heart of South Tyneside, we are committed to giving our learners every opportunity to progress, achieve, and take their place in the industries that shape our region. These new apprenticeships and T Level placements represent exactly the kind of meaningful, hands on experience that helps young people build confidence, gain real insight into the world of work and begin careers with purpose.

“This partnership showcases what can be achieved when education and industry work together with a shared ambition. As construction of our new campus continues at pace, it’s inspiring to see our students already contributing to — and learning from — this transformational project that will benefit our community for generations to come.”

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council and the North East Combined Authority’s Skills Lead, emphasised the importance of apprenticeships in delivering long-term regional growth. 

She said: “Apprenticeships play a vital role in upskilling our residents and strengthening the North East workforce. They offer people of all ages the chance to gain high quality training while building real, practical experience. As a Council, we are committed to working with our partners — including South Tyneside College and Castle — to ensure local people have the skills, opportunities and support they need to thrive. The new college development is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when education, industry and local government work together.”

Tyne Coast College – of which South Tyneside College is a part - is currently training 355 apprentices, and this is expected to grow year on year, with a focus on engineering, motor vehicle, digital and construction as well as emerging trends in line with employer demand.

Work on the build project is commencing to schedule with the construction of the steel frame almost complete, marking a major milestone in the £95m project to relocate South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School into the heart of South Shields town centre.

It is anticipated that the transformational project will bring thousands of people into the town centre, helping to sustain new and existing businesses and acting as a catalyst for further investment and jobs.