Darlington College and Orangebox upskill workforce
The college is partnered with Hartlepool-based Orangebox Training Solutions to deliver leadership and management training as part of an ongoing collaboration to strengthen its workforce.
David Gartland, CEO and principal of Darlington College, 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 countryβs 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.”
The programme is part of a broader commitment by Orangebox and its sister company, Workpays, to partner with further education colleges.
These partnerships focus on strengthening the internal capabilities of colleges while providing effective, employment-focused training to local residents.
Simon Corbett, founder and CEO of Orangebox, 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 Β£7m of funded programmes in various locations.
The company reports that 79 per cent of learners secure employment with local employers after completing their training.
Orangebox and Workpays are expanding their reach through partnerships with a wide range of further education 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 also works with local authorities such as Hartlepool Borough Council, South Tyneside Council, Lincolnshire Council, and Cheshire West and Chester Council.
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.”
Orangebox plans to roll out more training to partners in various regions across the country.
The company hopes to support even more residents and staff with the skills and confidence needed to enter and thrive in the workforce.