New social work and urban driver apprenticeships for Redcar thanks to the Woodsmith Project
16 October, 2026
Children’s and Adult Services in Redcar are set to benefit from three new Social Work Degree Apprenticeships thanks to the Woodsmith Project.
The opportunities form part of a wider package of 9 apprenticeships created following work by Anglo American to unlock apprenticeship levy funding through Woodsmith Project shaft-sinking contractor Redpath Deilmann.
Alongside the social work apprenticeships, the funding will also support six Urban Driver (HGV) apprenticeships, helping to develop local skills in transport while supporting services delivered by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.
Employers with an annual payroll of more than £3 million pay into the apprenticeship levy, which can be used to fund apprenticeship training and development. Redpath Deilmann identified an opportunity to use its levy funding to support the local area and, working with Anglo American, joined with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to help deliver the apprenticeship programmes.
The Woodsmith Project is an Anglo American project currently under construction near Whitby in North Yorkshire. Once complete, a 37km underground tunnel will transport polyhalite, a naturally occurring mineral fertiliser, from the mine near Whitby to processing and export facilities in Redcar. As part of the project, Redpath Deilmann is constructing two deep shafts for the mine operation that will be 1600 metres deep and will transport people, materials and equipment to the mine operating level and transport the polyhalite up to an intermediate level where it is transferred to the conveyor in the tunnel.
Commenting on the partnership, Matt Parsons, Head of Social Performance at Anglo American's Crop Nutrients business, said: "We are incredibly proud of the investment we make in our local communities, not only through direct funding, but also by bringing organisations together to create opportunities that have a lasting impact.
"We are delighted to have facilitated this partnership and to see apprenticeship levy funding being used to help develop local skills and talent."
James Knox, Project Services Manager at Redpath Deilmann, said: "When we identified the opportunity to use our apprenticeship levy funding to support the local area, we were keen to ensure it had a meaningful impact. Working with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has helped us support apprenticeships that can open the door to long-term careers and train people with the skills valued by employers. We’re proud to play a part in supporting communities across Teesside.”
Councillor Lynn Pallister, Cabinet Member for Growth and Enterprise, said: “Apprenticeships at the council represent a fantastic chance for people to find good, long-term jobs while also serving our community. The Woodsmith Project has once again demonstrated its commitment to our area and investing in people while boosting our economy – it is an excellent scheme. I would like to thank everyone involved.
“I’d urge any other business in the area to find out more about the best ways to use apprenticeship funding – either from the apprenticeship levy or from support grants – benefit their own company and the whole community while giving someone a chance for employment and training.”