ACCESS to higher education in the North-East is set to become more open to young people in the region following an agreement between several institutions.

Teesside University has announced it will provide courses at colleges in Darlington, Redcar, Stockton and Hartlepool to ensure opportunities to gain degrees are more widely available.

A range of subjects will be taught under the Teesside University College Partnership (TUCP), designed to produce work-ready graduates.

The TUCP is being backed by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and it will comprise Darlington College, Redcar and Cleveland College, Stockton Riverside College, and Hartlepool College.

Professor Mark Simpson, pro vice-chancellor at Teesside University, said: “It is our job to help give students the tools to navigate their way through the ever-changing economic landscape, open their minds to the opportunities that exist and deliver a first-class education.

“This partnership re-enforces the long-standing commitment of us all to provide access to high quality education and training right across the Tees Valley.”

The TUCP will offer foundation and master’s degrees and apprenticeships across subjects including engineering and manufacturing, computer science, digital media, biosciences, health and social care and tourism.

Mr Houchen added: “It is a great initiative, which will provide the next generation with the opportunities, as well as ensuring companies investing in Teesside have the skills they need. By prioritising education and skills now, we can secure jobs and prosperity in the future.

“I have launched a bold and ambitious plan to bring more than 20,000 net new jobs to the Tees Valley by 2020, and this partnership will give investors confidence in the region’s skill-base.”

Kate Roe, Darlington College principal, said: “We are passionate about the power of further and higher education to transform opportunities in life and provide our employers with highly skilled individuals to enhance their workforce.

“High quality, local and flexible higher level courses are really important for ongoing skills and career development, especially for adults and those who want or need to study part-time, and this works well for employers and businesses too.”