Reece Foundation funding helps Blyth Tall Ship create new engineering skills pathway for local people
30th September 2026
- Reece Foundation funding is supporting Blyth Tall Ship to launch Engineering Futures, a new fully funded engineering skills programme.
- The programme will offer accredited NVQ learning for people aged 16 and over, combining study with hands-on experience in the Heritage Workshop.
- Engineering Futures is designed to build confidence, practical skills and pathways into employment, further learning and future opportunities in engineering.
Reece Foundation funding is helping Blyth Tall Ship launch a new skills and training programme designed to open up routes into engineering, employment and further learning for people in and around Blyth.
The new Engineering Futures programme will provide fully funded 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.
The project reflects the our commitment to supporting engineering and manufacturing in the North East, improving STEM education and backing training opportunities that can lead to long-term employment prospects.
Running until September 2027, Engineering Futures will take place two days a week, for up to 12 hours, giving learners the chance to build practical engineering, problem-solving and employability skills in a real-world heritage setting.
Participants will learn in Blyth Tall Ship’s working Heritage Workshop, where historic maritime restoration provides an engaging backdrop for developing confidence, technical understanding and workplace-ready skills.
Anne Reece, Chair of the Reece Foundation said:
“The Reece Foundation is pleased to support Blyth Tall Ship’s Engineering Futures programme, which will give local people the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications and practical engineering experience in an inspiring, hands-on environment.
“Our funding is focused on helping to strengthen engineering skills and opportunities in the North East, particularly where projects can remove barriers, build confidence and connect people with pathways into further learning or employment.”
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. Together, the programmes are designed to build confidence, develop practical skills and provide a route to employment, further learning and new opportunities.
Siobhan Sargeant, CEO of Blyth Tall Ship, said:
“Support from the Reece Foundation means we can remove financial barriers and make recognised engineering training accessible to people who might not otherwise have the chance to take part.
“Engineering Futures offers something very different from a traditional classroom environment. Learners can gain qualifications while building practical skills in our 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 confidence, develop new skills or take a step towards employment, we would encourage them to get in touch and find out more. For many learners, this 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 and identify people who could benefit from the Reece Foundation-funded opportunity.
Anyone with questions about the programmes, eligibility or referrals can contact the Blyth Tall Ship team at hello@blythtallship.co.uk.
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