New skills and careers for adult learners

Mayor David Skaith speaks to art and design student at Scarborough TEC

Mayor David Skaith visited Scarborough TEC to see first-hand how adult learners are developing new skills and careers across the region.

During his visit on Wednesday (18), the mayor spent time with students and staff across a range of departments, learning how the college is supporting adults to retrain, upskill, and move into employment in key sectors.

TEC Partnership is among more than 20 providers to receive funding from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority's Adult Skills Fund. The purpose of the Adult Skills Fund is to support adult learners to gain skills which will lead them to meaningful, sustained, and relevant employment, or enable them to progress to further learning.

As part of York and North Yorkshire’s devolution deal, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority took responsibility for the region’s Adult Skills Fund in August 2025.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “Our Adult Skills Fund is a key part of my commitment to ensuring people across York and North Yorkshire can access the training they need to succeed.

“By investing in sectors that drive our economy from creative industries to construction, we’re helping residents gain the skills that lead to good-quality jobs.

“With hundreds of courses delivered by more than 20 providers, we’re building thriving communities and a more prosperous future for our region.”

Meeting students

The visit began in the arts room, where the mayor met students studying the Art and Design Foundation course. Tutors explained how the course helps learners build practical and creative skills, while also giving them the confidence and knowledge to move into higher education or careers in the creative industries. The programme is particularly popular with mature learners, as it helps them make informed decisions about their next steps.

Charlotte Clubley, an arts student, was delighted to see the mayor invested in the arts. She said:“I met the mayor! I liked watching him take part in making an origami cube for our exhibition at the Old Parcels Office Artspace. I taught him about my project, which is all about transilience and Japanese art.”

The mayor then visited the plumbing department, where he met adult learner Hamza. Staff shared Hamza’s journey from training at the college to working in the plumbing sector, and now returning as a volunteer to support current students. Tutors highlighted the positive impact adult learners bring to the classroom, noting improvements not only in learning outcomes but also in behaviour and peer support.

Hamza said: “It was great to talk to the mayor about life as an adult student and what I have learnt. I hope to help Scarborough TEC more and educate the next generation in the future.”

The visit continued in the bricklaying workshop, where the mayor spoke with adult learner Noah about his experience at the college. He also had the opportunity to try bricklaying himself, gaining a hands-on understanding of the skills being taught.

This part of the visit closely aligns with the mayor’s focus on increasing the supply of new homes and ensuring local people have the skills needed to take on these opportunities within North Yorkshire.

Supporting the local economy

Speaking about the visit, college staff highlighted the importance of adult education in supporting the local economy, helping people retrain, and keeping talent within the region.

Simon Gummerson, Campus Principal for Scarborough TEC, said: “It was a delight to welcome the mayor to our campus today. We were keen to show him the talent we have here in Scarborough, and the role that adult education plays in retraining skilled workers and finding new opportunities to keep them here in the region.”

The visit showcased how Scarborough TEC is playing a key role in developing a skilled workforce, supporting both individual learners and wider regional priorities.