Blyth Tall Ship Launches Free Learning Programmes for Local People

Blyth Tall Ship is launching a new programme of fully funded learning this October, giving local people the chance to gain recognised qualifications, develop practical skills and take a step towards employment or further education.

The organisation’s new Engineering Futures programme, funded by the Reece Foundation, will provide accredited NVQ learning for people aged 16 and over, combining structured study with hands-on experience in the unique surroundings of Blyth Tall Ship’s Heritage Workshop.

Running from October 2026 to September 2027, the programme will take place two days a week, for up to 12 hours, giving learners the opportunity to develop practical engineering and employability skills while working in a real-world heritage environment.

Blyth Tall Ship is also offering its Future Mariners programme, funded by the ScottishPower Foundation, for young people aged 14 to 25 from Blyth and surrounding communities.

The programme provides practical STEM, maritime and employability activities, with shorter learning opportunities of around two hours as well as full-day courses covering areas such as First Aid and Health & Safety.

Both programmes are completely free for eligible participants and are designed to build confidence, develop practical skills and provide a pathway towards employment, further learning and new opportunities.

To help potential participants find out more in an informal setting, Blyth Tall Ship is holding drop-in recruitment sessions on Friday 18th September at its Heritage Workshop on Quay Road, Blyth.

People can drop in between 10am and 12 noon or 1pm and 3pm, meet the team, look around the workshop and find out which programme could be right for them.

There is no obligation to sign up, and people can simply take information away and consider whether the opportunity is right for them. Those who are ready to take the next step can also register on the day.

Siobhan Sargeant, CEO of Blyth Tall Ship, said:

“We want to make learning and skills development accessible to as many people in our community as possible, particularly those who may feel that returning to education or taking the next step is daunting.

“These programmes offer something very different from a traditional classroom environment. Learners can gain recognised qualifications while developing practical skills in our unique Heritage Workshop, surrounded by the history and maritime heritage that makes Blyth Tall Ship so special.

“Whether someone is looking to gain their first qualification, build their confidence, develop new skills or take a step towards employment, we would encourage them to come along to one of our drop-in sessions.

“There is no pressure and no need to commit beforehand. Come in, meet us, have a look around and have a chat. It could be the first step towards something really positive.”

Blyth Tall Ship is particularly encouraging community organisations, education providers, employment support services and referral partners to help spread the word about the opportunities and identify people who could benefit.

Potential participants do not need to attend alone, and referral partners are welcome to accompany anyone who may be interested.

Anyone with questions about the programmes, eligibility or referrals can contact the Blyth Tall Ship team at hello@blythtallship.co.uk.

Drop-in recruitment sessions

Friday 18th September 2026
Blyth Tall Ship Heritage Workshop
Quay Road, Blyth, NE24 3PA

10am–12 noon
1pm–3pm

No booking is required.

Engineering Futures – Funded by the Reece Foundation and offering accredited NVQ learning for people aged 16+.

Future Mariners – Funded by the ScottishPower Foundation and providing practical STEM, maritime and employability activities for young people aged 14–25 from Blyth and surrounding communities.

Both programmes are FREE for eligible participants and run from October 2026 to September 2027.

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