New College Durham has launched a dedicated Training and Skills Development facility designed to give North East employers easier access to adult skills training, workforce development and industry-focused support.

The business-facing facility, based at Armstrong House in Abbeywoods Business Park, DH1 5GH, is intended to bring employers, learners and industry partners together in one dedicated space. The college says the development will help organisations respond to changing industry demands, address skills gaps and build the workforce needed for growth.

A new base for employer training

New College Durham said its Training and Skills Development Team works directly with businesses to identify skills gaps, understand emerging workforce needs and create bespoke training programmes. Support is available to organisations of different sizes and across sectors.

The offer includes apprenticeships, accredited professional qualifications, short courses, leadership development and technical skills training. The programmes are designed to support recruitment, staff retention and employee development, with provision tailored to individual organisational needs.

Andy Broadbent, Principal and Chief Executive of New College Durham, said: “By creating this dedicated hub and enhancing our current Training and Skills Development offer, we are further reinforcing our commitment to putting students and employers at the centre of everything we do. We understand that every business is different, which is why our team takes the time to appreciate and understand individual challenges before creating training solutions that deliver real results. Whether supporting a small business to develop its workforce or helping a larger organisation secure funding for significant training programmes, we're here to make the process as straightforward and beneficial as possible”

£14m secured during 2024/25

During the recent academic year, 2024/25, the college’s Training and Skills Development Team secured £14 million in funding and supported 7,000 learners. It also worked with sector-specialist partners to deliver targeted training intended to strengthen businesses and communities across the region.

New College Durham said employers continue to face skills shortages in advanced manufacturing, engineering, construction, health, digital technologies and professional services. The college is investing in stronger industry relationships and training aligned with regional and national economic priorities.

The college was recently appointed one of only four Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence Colleges in the country. It said the designation means its team is working closely with employers to ensure training reflects emerging technologies, changing industry standards and future workforce requirements.

Partnerships across the North East

New College Durham works with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Jobcentre Plus and local authorities across the North East. The partners support ambitions to raise workforce skills, improve productivity and promote inclusive economic growth by helping employers access talent and training.

Colleen Peters, Vice Principal Business Development, Productivity & Apprenticeships, said: “Businesses are the driving force of our regional economy, and investing in people, skills and talent has never been more important. Our new dedicated training and workshop space brings employers, learners and partners together in one dynamic environment, creating a place where ideas can be shared, skills developed and solutions shaped around the real needs of industry. This is far more than a new home for our Training and Skills Development Team. It represents our ambition to work differently with employers, creating stronger connections between education and industry and making it easier for businesses to access the expertise, training and talent they need to grow. We want New College Durham to become a genuine hub for skills, collaboration and opportunity across the North East, a place where partnerships are built, businesses are supported to thrive, and adults gain the skills that can transform their futures.”

Employers can contact the Training and Skills Development Team about training, recruitment or workforce development opportunities on (0191) 375 4246.