Middlesbrough College has launched an expanded programme aimed at helping local young people who are not currently in education, employment or training find their next step. The initiative, known as the ROOTS Academy, provides support for those aged 16 to 19 to re-engage with learning and prepare for future careers.
The 12-week course is based at the college’s Adult and Community Learning Centre at 2 Queens Square in the town centre. It is free for UK residents aged 16 to 18 and focuses on building personal development and career skills, while also offering support in English and maths.
According to Rachel Gray, the Assistant Principal in Adult and Community Learning and Partnerships at Middlesbrough College, the programme serves as a vital bridge for young people looking to move into further study, apprenticeships or employment. The initiative has already supported 125 students across nine groups, with recent efforts focusing on outreach in East Middlesbrough. Data from the college shows that 94.3 per cent of participants have successfully moved on to positive destinations after completing the course.
The launch comes as national figures highlight the growing number of young people facing barriers to work or education. Recent data indicates that the number of people aged 16 to 24 in the UK not in education, employment or training rose to 957,000 between October and December 2025.
Local leaders have welcomed the project as an important resource for the town. Councillor Philippa Storey, the Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Education and Culture at Middlesbrough Council, has expressed support for the programme as part of a wider effort to improve educational pathways for local residents.
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