TL;DR – Ian’s Plan for Education & Youth Opportunity

• Secure funding and support for Seaham’s schools and teachers
• Expand access to vocational training and apprenticeships
• Foster youth enterprise and creativity through small grants and mentoring
• Keep Seaham’s young people local by creating real opportunity
• Build a future-proof Seaham through skills, education, and engagement

Every town has a future—but whether it thrives or struggles depends on the opportunities we create for the next generation. If we want Seaham to grow stronger, more prosperous, and more resilient, we need to start by investing in the people who’ll carry it forward.

That’s why Ian McAndrew, Conservative candidate for Seaham, is making education and youth opportunity a central pillar of his campaign.

Ian’s life and career are rooted in skills, training, and mentoring. As a Michelin-starred chef, business owner, and author, he knows what it takes to build a career from the ground up. More importantly, he knows what it means to give others their first chance—whether it’s in a kitchen, a classroom, or on the high street.

If elected on 1st May, Ian will fight to ensure every young person in Seaham has access to a high-quality education, real vocational opportunities, and a clear pathway into employment, entrepreneurship, or further study—without feeling like they need to leave the town to succeed.

Why Youth Opportunity Is Key to Seaham’s Success
Seaham has enormous potential. Its businesses are growing, investment is increasing, and tourism is on the rise. But to keep that momentum going, we need a skilled, motivated local workforce—and that begins with education and early opportunity.

Strong education and youth support mean:

• Better job prospects for young people
• Lower youth unemployment and disengagement
• More skilled workers for local businesses
• Higher retention of talent, preventing “brain drain” to bigger cities
• Greater community engagement and pride among the next generation

Investing in youth isn’t a side issue. It’s a strategic foundation for Seaham’s long-term wellbeing—economic, cultural, and social. Ian McAndrew understands that, and he’s ready to act on it.

Ian’s Plan: Practical Support for Local Young People
Ian’s approach to education and youth opportunity isn’t about sweeping, unworkable promises. It’s about practical, targeted support—delivered in partnership with schools, families, businesses, and local organisations.

Here’s what he’ll prioritise if elected:

1. Support and Investment for Local Schools
   Great schools are the bedrock of any successful town. Ian will work with education leaders and local authorities to secure the resources Seaham’s schools need to thrive.

His priorities include:

• Advocating for school funding that reflects Seaham’s real needs
• Supporting improvements to school infrastructure, classrooms, and equipment
• Working with schools to ensure pupils have access to up-to-date technology
• Promoting inclusive education, where every child—regardless of background or ability—can achieve their potential

Ian believes our schools deserve not just respect, but real investment—and he’ll work to make sure they get it.

2. Championing Vocational Education and Skills Training
   Not every young person wants—or needs—to go to university. Ian wants to see a level playing field where vocational training, apprenticeships, and technical qualifications are just as valued and accessible.

He’ll push for:

• Partnerships between local businesses and schools to offer work placements, career days, and site visits
• Expansion of apprenticeship schemes across trades, hospitality, digital, and green industries
• Support for training centres or college programmes in the Seaham area
• Encouraging local employers to recruit and mentor young talent, with council-supported incentives where possible

Ian knows first-hand the power of hands-on learning—because it shaped his own career. He wants Seaham’s young people to have that same ladder of opportunity.

3. Encouraging Local Enterprise and Youth-Led Initiatives
   Many young people in Seaham have the ideas, creativity, and drive to start businesses or lead community projects—but lack the support to get started.

Ian wants to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and civic leadership among local youth by:

• Creating a small grants fund for youth-led business ideas, social projects, or events
• Supporting youth enterprise competitions in schools or community hubs
• Offering free business basics workshops for 16–25 year-olds interested in going self-employed
• Working with partners to provide mentoring and networking opportunities

By giving young people the confidence to build something of their own, Ian will help create the next generation of business leaders, creators, and changemakers—right here in Seaham.

4. Making Seaham a Place Young People Want to Stay
   All too often, bright and ambitious young people feel they need to leave Seaham to find opportunity. Ian wants to change that narrative by ensuring the town offers:

• A diverse and growing economy with real job prospects
• Access to higher and further education pathways
• Cultural, sporting, and social activities for young adults
• A say in local planning and development decisions

Youth opportunity isn’t just about qualifications—it’s about belonging, engagement, and empowerment. Ian believes in creating a town where young people can see their own future—and want to be part of shaping it.

Why Ian? A Life Spent Creating Opportunity
Ian McAndrew isn’t a career politician—he’s someone who’s spent his life training, mentoring, and employing young people.

From his early years as a chef, right through to owning restaurants and running training kitchens, Ian has helped launch dozens of careers. He’s seen the difference that early support, practical skills, and real-world experience can make in a young person’s life.

He’s also seen what happens when those things aren’t available—when talent is wasted, potential is overlooked, and young people are told “that’s just the way it is.”

Ian rejects that mindset. He believes Seaham deserves better—and he’s ready to fight for it.

The Long-Term Vision: Building a Thriving, Skilled Community
By investing in education and youth, Ian’s not just supporting individuals—he’s laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Seaham.

A town where young people are supported to succeed is a town that:

• Attracts investment and new business
• Fosters innovation and entrepreneurship
• Reduces long-term reliance on social services
• Builds intergenerational pride and continuity

Ian’s vision is clear: a Seaham where young people can see a future for themselves—and help shape the town’s future in return.

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Let’s make Seaham stronger — together.

Promoted by Tom Baker on behalf of Ian McAndrew at Conservative Office, Creative Business Park, Riverside Ind Est.. Langley Park, Durham, DH7 9TY