Member News
A successful employment support programme which has already helped hundreds of people get into work and gain more skills has been extended across our region.
The Move Forward programme, led by the Tees Valley Combined Authority and delivered by local partners, supports those who aren't currently working to overcome personal barriers, gain new skills, and move closer to meaningful employment.
Building on its past success, the initiative will now reach even more people, thanks to continued investment through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
No fewer than 482 people were helped back into employment through Move Forward in 2024/25 – with a total of 2,171 people receiving a broad range of support, including help to engage with community groups.
And now Move Forward has its sights set even higher – with a target to help another 1,250 people with £2.6million of funding in 2025/26.
The programme works by embedding employment and training support into trusted settings, including housing providers, where people feel comfortable and connected. This approach allows residents to access mentoring, CV writing help, interview prep, skills courses, and more – all tailored to their individual needs.
Help for people who have been economically inactive over the long-term is delivered by Housing Employment Network North East (HENNE), led by Thirteen Group, while support for short-term economically inactive people being delivered by Groundwork and a consortium of the region’s five Local Authorities, led by Hartlepool Borough Council.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Sometimes people just need a little bit of extra support and confidence to get back into work, and the Move Forward programme is doing exactly that. It’s already helped hundreds of people – many who’ve faced real challenges – to take control of their futures.
“We’re not interested in one-size-fits-all solutions. This is about targeted support, delivered where it matters most, and tweaked and tailored to the people who need it.
“The scheme has been a huge success to date, smashing its targets and helping people become HGV drivers, carers, machine operators, welders, mechanics, teaching assistants and more.
“It has delivered real personal success stories along the way – it’s no stretch to say that for some, its impact has been truly life changing.
“I’m proud we’re backing this programme once again, and I’m even prouder of the people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool who’ve stepped up, taken part, and proven what they can achieve.”
Among those Move Forward has helped is Nadia, a Darlington resident who worked with Karbon Homes to explore career paths after years of uncertainty. With Move Forward’s support, she’s now planning to become a social worker.
Another is Bailey Doyle who worked with Thirteen Group through the “New Start” strand of the Move Forward scheme to build his confidence and gain a work placement at Normanby-based plumbing and joinery company, Full Spec.
“I lost confidence and motivation. Working with Full Spec has boosted my confidence and made me realise there are more opportunities out there,” he said.
Cllr Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton Borough Council and TVCA Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, added: “Hearing from some of the people that Move Forward has helped has demonstrated how important this programme is.
“By working together with our great providers, we can really give people the help that they need to get back into work – or to gain that little bit of extra confidence and support that can lead to new opportunities.
“It’s great to see that this will continue and I’m looking forward to hearing from the people taking part – and to see how it has helped them progress.”
Support is fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
