Groundworker Skills Bootcamp in Construction – Funding Available to Upskill Your Team
CECA NE have been working with the North East Institute of Technology (NEIoT) and Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) to address the current, and predicted skills shortage in Groundworkers / Operatives.
Two initiatives have now received financial backing from TVCA and are ready to be delivered in the New Year as follows:
- New Entrant Route (for those with little / no industry experience)
- Up-Skilling Route (*for those already working in the industry who would benefit from additional qualifications)
- * see attached spreadsheet
This specifically relates to those Groundworkers / Operatives already working in the industry who would benefit from upskilling (initiative 2 above).
We are pleased to invite you to take part in our Groundworker Skills Bootcamp in Construction, designed to help employers upskill existing staff in key industry competencies. These flexible, high-quality programmes provide practical, job-focused training aligned with current sector needs.
Please note, candidates must be aged 19 or over on 31st August 2025 to qualify for funding and all training is delivered at our specialist location in Hartlepool.
The Employer or the Learner must have a Tees Valley postcode. If an Employer in Tees Valley has employees they wish to upskill who live outside of the Tees Valley area, that is permitted.
By participating, your organisation can strengthen its workforce, improve productivity and support long-term growth – while benefiting from substantial government funding.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop your team’s skills at a significantly reduced cost and is open until the end of March 2026.
Employer Funding Contribution
We are pleased to offer the following funding structure for all Skills Bootcamp qualifications and courses:
- Sole Traders – Fully funded (no employer contribution required)
- Small Businesses (<250 employees) – 90% funded (employer contribution: only 10%)
- Large Businesses (>250 employees) – 70% funded (employer contribution: 30%)
Please find attached an Excel sheet, where you can ‘pick & mix’ the qualifications you need within your current workforce.
If you would like further information or to reserve places, please either return the Employer Response Form, contact Sam-Amy.Hall@hartlepoolfe.ac.uk, or call on 01429 857199.