More than 1,200 residents have shared their views on skills, training, and employment in North East Lincolnshire, helping to guide the borough’s future skills strategy.

The consultation, run by the Council’s Economy and Growth team with local training providers, explored how people discover learning opportunities, which communication channels they trust, and the barriers they face.

Most respondents preferred to learn online from home. Limited awareness of local courses, health conditions, disabilities, and low confidence were common challenges to both training and employment.

The results will inform an updated Skills Strategy due next year. Existing initiatives such as the Adult Careers Team’s careerShift programme aim to address these barriers by connecting participants with employers, offering personal wellbeing support, and providing tools for self-reflection and financial management.

The feedback will also shape opportunities in growing sectors across the Humber, including renewables and engineering.

Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council

Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has completed phase 1 of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of the former Sutton on Sea Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens, which was celebrated with a time capsule burial with staff and pupils from Sutton-on-Sea Community Primary School. The project, delivered in partnership with East Lindsey District Council, CPMG Architects, and Alan Wood Associates through the Pagabo Medium Works framework, marks a significant milestone in the transformation of the coastal landmark. With over 100 students from Sutton on Sea Community Primary school in attendance, the burial included letters to the young people’s future selves, a worksheet detailing how pupils felt during lockdown, a list of predicted future inventions, a field recorder discussing topics including family life, AI and climate change, a school logo, Instax photos of each class, a newspaper from the day of burial, Sutton on Sea postcards, books, a letter from the deputy head teacher and a QR code to G F Tomlinson’s website to show the construction of the Seaview Colonnade. Alongside G F Tomlinson and the school, representatives from Pagabo and the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, which includes East Lindsey District Council, were in attendance. The recently completed redevelopment includes a pavilion featuring space suitable for a sea-view café or restaurant fit-out and a modern exhibition area. Enhancements to the former Pleasure Gardens provide recreational areas and open community space, alongside a base to receive 15 new beach huts supplied directly by the Council. A link bridge now connects the promenade to the new Seaview Colonnade, improving public access and the visitor experience. Popular nearby existing features have been retained, which include the refurbished paddling pool, tennis court and anchor water feature. As part of the Mablethorpe Connected Coast Town Deal, the project received £4.2 million in government funding, with the remaining costs funded by East Lindsey District Council. Adrian Grocock, group managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “Delivering this project has been a privilege, and we are pleased to see the colonnade restored as a key destination for the local community and visitors. “The redevelopment balances modern enhancements with the area’s heritage, creating a space that will bring long-term benefits to Sutton on Sea. We were delighted to mark its completion with the community time capsule burial – bringing together all who made this possible alongside the younger generation, for the landmark occasion.” Richard Hodgson, project sponsor and assistant director – strategic projects for South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, said: “The completion of phase 1 of the Sutton on Sea Seaview Colonnade is a fantastic milestone for the community. “This phase of the redevelopment brings new opportunities for local businesses, enhances our beautiful coastline, and creates a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike. We are delighted to see our vision for this historic site come to life, ensuring it remains a cherished landmark for generations to come.”