Your Future Matters
Nervous about your future? Not sure what to do next?
You’re not alone! There are thousands of young people like you who are unsure about what to do next. There are so many options available to learn, train and work in Middlesbrough and we’ve pulled together a list of colleges and training providers who can support young people in Middlesbrough to achieve their dreams. Read our FAQs which address some of the safety concerns young people and their families may currently have.
Myth busting
But what about Coronavirus? How safe is it to go to college or to train in my career?
It is absolutely understandable that you and your family will be concerned about going to college or starting a job. Be reassured that all colleges, training providers and employers are following government advice and taking measures to keep their students and staff as safe as possible. Up to date information is available from their websites and all colleges, providers and employers will be happy to answer any concerns you have. Below we have pulled together a list of questions young people and their families have asked:
I want to enrol on a college course but need to speak to someone about my options – are colleges having open days?
Some colleges are running virtual open days so you don’t need to visit the building. Contact the colleges directly if you are interested via their website or give them a call and they will be able to offer you advice. Useful contacts are in our directory below.
Will colleges and training providers be open after the latest lockdown?
Colleges and training providers will be following government advice to ensure that they are as safe as possible for students. They might be different to how they were before but this is necessary to keep staff and students safe. You can expect to see enhanced cleaning measures, lots of hand sanitizer and wipes and social distancing measures in place to help you stay safe. Colleges are working extremely hard to make sure that you enjoy going to college and can learn safely. Read latest guidance on the government website.
Will I be able to start an apprenticeship and what will employers do to keep me safe?
Yes there are many new apprenticeship places available to young people in Middlesbrough. You can find out more about apprenticeships including available positions on the government's apprenticeships website. The government are offering businesses financial incentives to help them recruit and train apprentices so there are opportunities if you want to take this route to work. Employers are given guidance by the government relevant to their business sector to ensure their staff are kept as safe as possible.
Are apprenticeships for people who don’t do well at school?
Apprenticeships are an effective and alternative route into skilled employment. They're a great way to earn while you learn and gain vital work experience. Doing an apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to gain new qualifications and you’ll also learn Maths and English if you haven’t already got these qualifications.
Apprenticeships are only for school leavers – myth or truth?
Myth - Apprenticeships are available to people of all ages. This makes them a great option for anyone looking to change career, improve their skills in order to secure a new role or re-enter the labour market having taken time out for whatever reason.
Apprenticeships don’t lead to good qualifications – myth or truth?
Another myth. Apprenticeships are available at different levels, starting from Level 2, and provide the opportunity to progress through to higher education and degree apprenticeships. More and more people are now choosing an apprenticeship as an alternative to university, while nearly a fifth (19%) of advanced apprentices progress to higher education over time following their apprenticeship.
Do apprentices earn much money?
Apprentices must receive at least the apprentice national minimum wage. Currently, the national minimum wage is £4.15 per hour (as of April 2020) for those in the first year of their apprenticeship. At Middlesbrough Council, we pay more than the national minimum wage at £4.55 per hour (as of April 2020) during the first year of your apprenticeship. After your first year it will increase to the national minimum wage for your age.
Apprentices are only given 'donkey work'
Apprenticeships are full time paid jobs with training. As an apprentice you definitely won't just be the tea maker - you will learn practical work skills to help you in your future as well as studying for a qualification.
Employers don’t value apprenticeships
Research indicates that apprenticeships boost productivity to businesses and more employers are now choosing to grow their business with apprentices. Employers say that former apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications - apprenticeships genuinely provide a stepping stone to a brighter future.
An apprenticeship won't lead to a full time job – myth or truth?
According to Department for Education research, a quarter of former apprentices (23%) secure a promotion within 12 months of qualifying. In fact, more than 90% of apprentices stay in employment after their course ends, with 67% remaining with the same employer.
Next steps
If you are not sure about your options and what you want to do next, there is lots of advice available online. You can also talk to your careers advisor from school, or contact the college/ provider you are interested in who will be able to give you impartial advice and guidance about your next steps
Got your results and need support?
I didn't get the grades I wanted...but look at me now!
Free, safe and anonymous wellbeing support from Kooth
Work Readiness Team - Contact the team by calling 01642 513162 or emailing workreadinessteam@middlesbrough.gov.uk.
Colleges and training providers
Below is a list of colleges and training providers in Middlesbrough and the surrounding areas. All of them are keen to speak to young people so do get in touch with them and good luck!!
Askham Bryan College
A specialist land based college offering a large range of courses – includes a Middlesbrough centre for learning
Address: Stewart Park, Marton, Middlesbrough, TS7 8AR
Phone: 01642 327998
BePro (Stokesley)
Highly experienced training provider. Focused on business-related qualifications to both individuals and organisations through commercial courses and apprenticeships
Address: 1st Floor, 27 College Square, Stokesley, Middlesbrough, TS9 5DN
Phone: 01642 956970
Beverley School
An all age specialist school for people who have an autism spectrum condition
Address: Saltersgill Avenue, Middlesbrough, TS4 3JS
Phone: 01642 811350
Groundwork
A charitable organisation working to help communities tackle climate change, nature emergencies, improve health and wellbeing, and gain access to learning and work.
In the Tees Valley, Groundwork runs a number of programmes specifically for young people including:
- Youth Employment Initiative (YEI): supports young people overcome barriers and move into sustainable employment, education, and training, through intensive one-to-one support and group work
- #IWill - tackles loneliness in young people through social action and interactive workshops, whilst raising awareness amongst the local community
- Youth Cafe - provides a safe space for young people to meet and access support services on a monthly basis
Phone: 07791 076427
Email: Vanessa.kelly@groundwork.org.uk
Kings Academy Sixth Form
11-19 secondary school specializing in business and enterprise
Address: Stainton Way, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, TS8 0GA
Phone: 01642 577577
Learning Curve Middlesbrough
Transforming lives through learning. Make your dreams a reality with lifelong learning.
Address: 1 Westerby Road, Middlesbrough, TS3 8TD
Phone: 01642 242247
Macmillan Academy Sixth Form
Academy school for age 11-18. It was one of the first fifteen city technology colleges established in England
Address: Stockton Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 4AG
Phone: 01642 800800
Middlesbrough College
Located on one campus, it’s the largest college in Teesside offering a full range of full and part time courses, apprenticeships and university level qualifications
Address: Dock Street, Middlesbrough, TS2 1AD
Phone: 01642 333333
Middlesbrough Community Learning
An adult education service providing community learning, adult education, training, apprenticeships and employability support. Check out the latest courses available at MCLS.
Address: CLC Building, Acklam Grange School, Middlesbrough, TS5 8PB
Phone: 01642 811400
Middlesbrough Community Learning
Nacro Middlesbrough Centre
England's largest independent training provider of education and skills to 16-18 year olds.
Address: 123 Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2DU
Phone: 0300 123 3145
National Careers Service
Information, advice and guidance to help people make decisions on learning, training and work
Address: 71 Borough Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3AA
Phone: 0800 100900
National Careers Service website
Northern Skills Group
Expert provider of apprenticeships, employer-led training and retraining, working with thousands of businesses across the North East
Address: Dock Street, Middlesbrough, TS2 1AD
Phone: 0345 340 4040
Northern School of Art
Further and Higher education arts and design college based in North East England
Address: Green Lane, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS5 7RJ
Phone: 01642 288000
Northern School of Art website
Nunthorpe Academy Sixth Form
A high-performing 11-19 Academy that prides itself on the support and guidance given to students
Address: Guisborough Road, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS7 0LA
Phone: 01642 310561
Nunthorpe Academy Sixth Form website
Prior Pursglove College
Expanding opportunities and enhancing futures - delivering high quality education for more than 450 years
Address: Church Walk, Guisborough, TS14 6BU
Phone: 01287 280800
Priory Woods
An all age community special school located in East Middlesbrough
Address: Tothill Avenue, Middlesbrough, TS3 0RH
Phone: 01642 770540
Project Choice
A work experience pathway for students with learning disabilities, difficulties or autism.
Address: My Place, Custom House, North Street, Middlesbrough, TS2 1JP
Phone: 07341 097712
Redcar & Cleveland College
Offering courses for everyone at every level, Redcar & Cleveland College is one of the leading Further Education providers in the Tees Valley
Address: Corporation Road, Redcar, TS10 1EZ
Phone: 01642 473132
Redcar & Cleveland College website
Shape Training
Provides a range of well-established and flexible training package to meet both employers and learners needs
Address: Richard Crosthwaite Centre, Sotherby Road, Middlesbrough, TS3 8BT
Phone: 01642 282222
Stockton Riverside College
Offers vocational courses, apprenticeship training, higher education and professional courses
Address: Harvard Avenue, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 6FB
Phone: 01642 865400
Stockton Riverside College website
Teesside University
Providing opportunities, driving enterprise, delivering excellence.
Address: Campus Heart, Southfield Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX
Phone: 01642 218121
Trinity Catholic College
A Roman Catholic secondary school and sixth form
Address: Saltersgill Avenue, Middlesbrough, TS4 3JW
Phone: 01642 298100
Trinity Catholic College website
#UTB Up the Boro!
From business entrepreneurs to beauty specialists, and a few other professions in between, we’ve gathered some of Middlesbrough’s finest to share their stories, experiences and career achievements. Find out what they have to say on our Your Future Matters YouTube playlist, or check out some of our case studies below!
Meet Anya Forster
Meet Cheryl Spears
Meet Danni Young
Meet Donna Smith
Meet Helen Stewart
Meet Liam Dawson
Meet Paul Swalwell
