‘We want New College Durham to become a genuine hub for skills, collaboration and opportunity across the North East’

Leaders of a North East further and higher education college have heralded the launch of a new training facility as a hub for skills, collaboration and opportunity across the region. New College Durham (NCD) has opened the Training and Skills Development facility as a dynamic hub for employers, learners and industry partners.

Its new facilities have been devised to make it easier for businesses of all sizes to access high-quality adult skills training and workforce development opportunities. The hub brings skills, employers and talent under one roof amid moves to help businesses respond to changing industry demands, tackle skills gaps and build the workforce they need to grow and thrive.

Andy Broadbent, principal and chief executive, 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”

NCD works in partnership with key stakeholders, including the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Jobcentre Plus, and local authorities across the North East.

Its team works with employers to identify skills gaps, understand emerging workforce needs, and develop training programmes that support recruitment, retention, and employee development.

They deliver solutions including apprenticeships, accredited professional qualifications, short courses, leadership development, and technical skills training.

During the recent academic year (2024/25), NCD’s Training and Skills Development Team succeeded in securing £14m in funding, supported 7,000 learners, and worked alongside a wide range of sector-specialist partners to deliver targeted training that strengthens businesses and communities across the region.

Colleen Peters, vice principal business development, productivity and apprenticeships, added: “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.”