Plans revealed to extend training academy

Plans have been submitted to expand the Seymour Civil Engineering Academy in Hartlepool.The academy was established in 2019 and provides courses for employed individuals needing to upskill or gain specific site certifications, alongside unemployed learners looking for opportunities and college learners such as apprentices.Courses offered range from construction safety training, to plant operate courses alongside trade training such as brick laying.Approval is now sought to expand the facility with a number of upgrades including new classrooms, and a replacement of the existing modular buildings at the entrance of the site.Additional car parking and structures built for the purpose of training are also proposed.A planning statement submitted with the plans said that, since launching, the site has been a “huge success” and has provided access to new construction sector skills as well as helping people to gain employment.Currently, there are 785 people enrolled at the academy, and the expansion will allow for 10 per cent increase year on year until a maximum of about 950 skills academy learners and 350 college learners.The application follows the facility securing funding through the Hartlepool Town Deal Fund.The development is proposed in partnership with Hartlepool FE College.The planning statement added that the expansion will provide a “greater range of opportunities for training which are not currently offered in the borough”.It added that it will “provide an opportunity for social interaction within industries to allow students to make useful connections with each other and potential employers.”This along with economic benefits provides real social benefits to those attending courses and gaining qualifications at the site.”