Employability experts at Bernicia and the Newcastle United Foundation are uniting to deliver job opportunities for young people in Berwick.
They are working with local employers including the Lindisfarne Inn and County Healthcare to deliver two-week long employability courses to give young people not in work or education the skills and confidence to secure a job.
There’s a guaranteed job interview for everyone completing the course and a Level 1 qualification in employability.
In total, there are six courses during 2025 teaching 60 young people – the first in Berwick from Tuesday March 18th based in the town’s Berwick Community Trust William Elder building in Castlegate.
Further courses will be held in Berwick and Ashington’s Hirst Welfare Centre throughout the year with dates to be unveiled closer to the time of delivery.
Newcastle United Foundation’s employability team will lead the training courses – funded by Bernicia as part of our £2m commitment to help deliver employment opportunities to local communities where our tenants live.
The employability partnership aims are:
- 60 participants will receive employability support and training.
- 20 unemployed or economically inactive participants will gain full time employment.
- 10 unemployed or economically inactive participants will gain part time employment.
- 45 participants will achieve a recognised employability qualification
Elaine Hardington, Bernicia employability business partner, said: “Bernicia and Newcastle United Foundation have a strong track record of supporting people into work who are far removed from the jobs market.
“We recognise the challenges that people face in finding work and our partnership will give people the confidence and skills to find employment – with a guaranteed job interview for people completing the two-week course.”
Hannah Rowan, Senior Employability Coordinator at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “We understand young people can face a number of barriers preventing them from securing employment, education or training opportunities and so our courses are tailored to help every young person to achieve their potential.
“Each year we support dozens of participants to achieve positive outcomes and by working with Bernicia, we can provide a supportive and meaningful experience for young people in Berwick to build confidence and transform lives.”
