Orangebox Training Solutions has completed a successful leadership management training programme designed to support further development of staff at Darlington College.
This marks the latest in a series of strategic partnerships with the Hartlepool-based training specialists, aimed at closing the UK skills gap and getting thousands more people into work.
The training delivered at Darlington College is part of a broader commitment by Orangebox and sister company Workpays to partner with Further Education (FE) colleges.
Such partnerships focus on strengthening the internal capabilities of colleges while providing effective, employment-focused training to local residents.
Orangebox’s latest partnership saw them deliver bespoke leadership management training for the staff at Darlington College.
This investment in the college’s internal development is designed to have a long-term positive impact on both staff and students.
David Gartland, CEO and Principal of Darlington College, was delighted with the training and highlighted the dual benefit of upskilling staff and improving outcomes for students.
David said: “The partnership with Orangebox started many years ago as a sub-contractor delivering Adult Skills Fund (ASF) and has been hugely positive for Darlington College, leading to a really strong relationship.
“The most recent work carried out was Orangebox delivering a leadership and management programme for the college staff.
“Our staff have gained invaluable leadership skills, which not only enhance their professional development but also directly contribute to the quality of education and support we provide.
“It was during this time when Orangebox demonstrated their reputation as being one of the country’s leading independent training providers.
“Crucially, their model helps us achieve our core mission – preparing students for the world of work. The training Orangebox offers is directly helping people into employment and we are proud to work alongside them to continue to drive this agenda forward.”
Simon Corbett, Orangebox founder and CEO, is keen to expand these partnership opportunities, citing a proven track record of success in transforming unemployed residents into job-ready candidates.
The company, based at its Hartlepool Marina headquarters, recently celebrated a record-breaking year, successfully guiding more than 1,300 learners into employment through its vocational training programmes.
Simon said: “Since day one I am proud of the relationships we have formed and the partnerships we have built with a number of colleges over the last ten years.
“Not only do we have a sub-contract arrangement with the colleges, we have also delivered a host of training programmes to help their staff.
“We have delivered leadership management, effective communication, mental health, suicide awareness, first aid and IOSH training programmes, and we are proud of our offer, which includes coaching and mentoring too.
“We have a proven track record of working together with colleges to help local residents gain employment. If our model fits in with other colleges then we can work together to reduce the skills gap and get more people into work.”
Orangebox and Workpays are currently delivering more than £7m of funded programmes as a direct contract holder or via sub-contracts in various locations, with statistics showing 79 per cent of learners secure employment with local employers.
This builds on relationships formed over the years with colleges including Stockton Riverside College, The City of Liverpool College, Derwentside College, Hartlepool College, Bishop Auckland College, Durham New College, Middlesbrough College and Sunderland College.
The company has developed similar relationships with a host of local councils including Hartlepool Borough Council, South Tyneside Council, Lincolnshire Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Orangebox plans to roll out more training to partners in various regions across the country.
This expansion is being bolstered by a strategic alliance formed following the acquisition of Orangebox earlier this year by Coniston Peak, the same group that acquired Midlands-based training provider Workpays in 2021.
Alex Glasner, CEO of Coniston Peak, said: “The success Orangebox has demonstrated in the North-East, particularly through its dynamic partnerships with colleges like Darlington, is precisely why we backed them.
“Our priority is to replicate this success across the wider UK, especially in the Midlands alongside Workpays, where we have our 12 centres.
“We look forward to establishing new, exciting partnerships with senior leaders in further education and local councils to collectively drive employment, reduce skills gaps and positively transform the lives of thousands more residents.”
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