A £10,000 grant from The Bernicia Foundation is helping Sunderland charity Three13 expand its practical hospitality and carpentry training, giving more people facing barriers to employment the chance to develop valuable workplace skills and rebuild their confidence.
The funding is supporting the charity’s Hendon training hub, where learners gain hands-on experience in realistic workplace environments. While the latest investment focuses on Sunderland, Three13 also delivers programmes across Teesside and Tyne and Wear.
The expansion comes at a time when demand for skilled workers continues to grow across the North East, particularly within the construction sector, with the charity aiming to help local residents access long-term employment through practical, accredited training.
Practical Learning That Changes Lives
Over the past year, Three13 supported 200 learners, who collectively achieved 276 recognised trade-specific vocational qualifications through its tailored training programmes. At the Sunderland hub alone, 60 people took part in specialist practical workshops.
Located in Hendon, one of Sunderland’s most economically disadvantaged communities, the centre provides opportunities for residents who may have struggled with traditional education or employment pathways.
Funding from The Bernicia Foundation enabled Three13 to run additional advanced multi-skills courses throughout May and June, creating 11 extra places for learners.
Each ten-day programme combines classroom learning with real community projects, allowing participants to develop practical skills while giving something back to the local area.
Recent projects have included painting and decorating work at Hope Vineyard Church and building benches for a park in Hendon. The next group of learners will help refurbish a double-decker bus for a community project based in nearby Washington.
Investing in Skills and Confidence
The grant is also contributing towards the appointment of full-time tutor John Miller, who brings more than 30 years of experience as a secondary school Design Technology teacher.
Before joining Three13 full-time, John led the successful Trailblazer pilot programme for the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority. The initiative helped eight adult learners gain qualifications and prepare for employment, with three participants already securing jobs.
John said:
“Having spent three decades teaching design technology in schools, I know first hand how easily people can be left behind by standard education. For many of our learners, the biggest barrier isn’t a lack of skill, but a lack of self-worth.
“To now be working with some of the exact same people I taught years ago, helping them rebuild that self-belief as adults, is amazing. This grant has allowed me to start full-time after a year of working from the sidelines with a passion to do more. Now, we can truly walk with these individuals until they are ready to step into employment.”
One learner, Craig, said the support he received transformed his outlook.
“When I first came to Three13, I wasn’t in the best space. But as soon as I walked through the door, I noticed a massive difference. They care about you on a truly personal level, not just as a learner.
“John and the team walked alongside me, listened to me, and helped me totally turn my life around. I owe so much to them; they believed in my worth when others didn’t.”
Supporting Sunderland’s Future Workforce
Three13 believes its practical carpentry training is helping learners develop the experience employers are looking for while supporting Sunderland’s wider regeneration and construction ambitions.
By combining accredited qualifications with real workplace experience and community projects, the charity is creating opportunities for people to build lasting careers while making a positive contribution to the places where they live.
Jenny Allinson, Director at The Bernicia Foundation, said:
“Bernicia is dedicated to supporting the communities where our tenants live, which is why we’re proud to back the vital work Three13 is delivering.
“Their hubs are anchoring real change, giving people the practical tools to transform their lives. This partnership perfectly mirrors our values of supporting opportunity.”
The latest funding will allow Three13 to continue expanding its practical training offer while helping more people across Sunderland gain the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to move into sustainable employment.
Residents interested in Three13’s training programmes, volunteering opportunities or community projects can find further information through the charity’s official website or by contacting its Hendon training hub.
