Five new construction apprenticeships are being created as part of the £95 million South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School development.

Principal contractor Castle confirmed the roles will be delivered through its supply chain and introduced at different stages of the build programme. The announcement coincides with National Apprenticeship Week (February 9–15).

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

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Apprenticeships and T Level placements linked to live construction site

The college redevelopment is being delivered in partnership between Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council. Funding is provided by Tyne Coast College, the North East Combined Authority, the Department for Education and the 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.”

College and council highlight role of apprenticeships in regional skills

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, added:

“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.”

Steel frame milestone reached on South Shields town centre relocation

Tyne Coast College, which includes South Tyneside College, is currently training 355 apprentices across engineering, motor vehicle, digital and construction disciplines, with further growth expected.

Construction of the new campus is progressing to programme, with the steel frame of the town centre development almost complete. The scheme will relocate South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School into the centre of South Shields as part of the wider regeneration strategy.