Marvin OnumonuThe University of Sunderland has secured a funding boost of over £1m to continue its skills partnership programme for another year.
The Sunderland Skills and Inclusion Programme (SSIP), launched in September 2024, will deliver £1,188,252 of funded training aimed at upskilling organisations and employees in the city.
More than 100 fully funded courses are being offered, working with a consortium of training partners to support sectors including manufacturing, finance, esports, education and digital skills.
Roberta Redecke (pictured), marketing and events manager at Sunderland BIDs, completed a continuing professional development (CPD) course in strategic leadership at the university, funded through SSIP.
Redecke said: “The course has influenced how I approach my role. It’s helped me take a more strategic view when planning campaigns and events, making sure they align with bigger goals and deliver real value to the city centre, the seafront and our stakeholders.
“I’m more confident in my decision-making and better equipped to lead my team and collaborate with partners.
“It has been a great way for me to build on my skills – especially in strategic leadership and stakeholder management, which are so important in my role.”
Redecke added: “It’s helped me take a step back and think more strategically about the bigger picture, while still being able to apply what I’ve learned directly at work.”
The SSIP will run until March 2026 and is funded from Sunderland’s allocation of the UK shared prosperity fund, managed by Sunderland city council.
Councillor Kevin Johnston, Cabinet Member for Business, Housing and Regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “The continuation of support that we know has delivered significant benefits for residents, businesses and the voluntary and community sector in Sunderland will provide a major boost to the city.
“UKSPF ensures we can put in place targeted support and assistance that stimulates economic development, helps communities and benefits the lives of our residents.
“Having the choice locally to channel funding into projects that we know work for our city is brilliant.”
Johnston added: “We have been able to evaluate the success of the first phase of UKSPF to really understand the value the programme offers, and that means that we can direct this latest tranche of funding towards the activities that will have the greatest impact.”
Tim Pain, director of innovation and skills at the University of Sunderland, said: “It is a testament to the success of the programme so far that the extension funding has been agreed.
“We are delighted that this will enable the University and its partners to continue to support employers to invest in the skills of their workforce.”
