Inspiring academy breaks down barriers to employment

An innovative academy – which aims to help people break down the barriers to employment – is celebrating a successful first year.

Aspire Academy Cumbria aims to provide an alternate pathway to employment for young people.

Based at West Lakes Science Park, near Whitehaven, in its first year it has completed almost 100 one-to-one support sessions with learners across West Cumbria.

The academy was set to support young people and adults who face barriers accessing traditional education or training routes, offering a more practical, relationship-led approach focused on confidence, skills and progression.

Over the past year, Aspire Academy has worked closely with learners individually providing tailored support designed to meet people where they are — not forcing them into a classroom model that doesn’t work for everyone.

William King, one of the academy’s founders, is director of William King Construction.

He said: “Growing up in this area, I understand the challenges our youth face.

“As a bricklayer by trade, my apprenticeship was a turning point that kept me from unemployment and set me on a successful path.

“Hard work and acquiring a trade can open countless doors.

“I am committed to helping disadvantaged young people find their footing in the construction industry and achieve their full potential.”

Aspire Academy’s first year has been made possible through the backing of 13 supply chain companies and several Cumbrian funding bodies. Support has included funding, equipment, facilities, PPE, materials, mentoring and time.

Mr King added: “Aspire was set up to do things properly, not quickly. Nearly 100 one-to-one sessions in our first year shows just how much demand there is for this kind of support.

“We’ve only been able to deliver because local businesses and funders believed in the idea early on and stepped up to help. We’re incredibly grateful for that support.”

Rachel Holliday, founding partner at Aspire Academy, added: “The strength of Aspire is in the relationships we build.

“Learners are supported as individuals, and that trust makes a real difference. The backing we’ve had locally has allowed us to build something that feels stable, credible and genuinely rooted in West Cumbria.”

Danny Gee, headteacher at West Cumbria Learning Centre, added: “Aspire Academy has created an opportunity that many of our learners simply wouldn’t have had otherwise. It’s a practical, supportive environment that helps people re-engage and move forward.”

The founders said they were looking forward to building on the academy’s success in 2026 and its focus remained on deepening impact, continuing one-to-one delivery and strengthening pathways into employment, training and further education.

The academy’s funders include Cumbria Community Foundation/Nuclear Waste Services, The Beeby Fund, Copeland Community Fund, Spark and TINBF (Nuclear Industry Benevolent Fund)⁠.

Aspire Academy is supported by: