First Review

I like providers that create real movement in people, not just hand out certificates. FIRST is one of those.

Who they are

FIRST is an accredited learning and development agency that focuses on enterprise skills, entrepreneurship and progression. They work with students, graduates, jobseekers, early-stage founders, entry level staff and employers across the North East of England and beyond. Their mission is simple: build courage, self-belief and motivation so people can move into meaningful education, decent work or resilient self-employment. 

They are also proudly Ofsted Good, which says a lot about the quality and structure behind the energy. 

Free and funded courses

One thing that really stands out is how many routes they offer that are fully funded for eligible learners in the North East.

Examples include:

Understanding Enterprise – an accredited introductory business course funded through the Adult Education Budget for eligible learners, designed for people who want to gain employment, change career, become self-employed, or turn a business idea into a startup. 

Customer Ready – for people who have decided to start a business and need to move from plans to delivery, including marketing, finance, business models and negotiating with customers and suppliers. 

Themes from their feedback

If you read across their case studies and partner comments, several themes repeat. 

·      Confidence jumps significantly. Learners talk about discovering what they are capable of and feeling braver about next steps.

·      Activities feel real and relevant. Enterprise projects link directly to work, business and community, not abstract classroom exercises.

·      Facilitators are energetic and encouraging. Schools, colleges and universities describe the FIRST team as young, fun and highly engaging, which matters when you are trying to reach people who may not usually put their hand up.

·      Opportunities open up. There is a strong sense that students and participants leave with new networks, clearer options and a belief that they actually belong in these spaces.

In other words, the feedback reads like people have been moved forward in a practical, tangible way.

Why this resonates with me

After more than 30 years in training, I know how hard it is to work with people at transition points. It is much easier to run a course for confident professionals than to help someone who is unsure of themselves to step into something bigger. FIRST is taking on that harder challenge.

I also like the blend of structure and heart. Accredited courses, SFEDI backing, Ofsted Good, non-executive directors supporting governance and strategy on one side. 

Genuine enthusiasm, inclusive language and community rooted programmes on the other. That combination is powerful.

My verdict

FIRST sits at a very important intersection of enterprise, employability and confidence building. They are giving people routes into work, business and education that are structured, accredited and funded, but also genuinely inspiring.

If you care about social mobility, real opportunity and a stronger grassroots startup and talent pipeline in the North East, FIRST is exactly the kind of training partner I would want on my side.