New College Durham and Dyer Partnership Boosts Local Engineering Skills

New College Durham and Dyer Partnership Boosts Local Engineering Skills

New College Durham (NCD) has strengthened its partnership with engineering firm Dyer through the company’s backing of the Skills Forge initiative and sponsorship of the Level 2 Fabrication and Welding course.

Based at the college, the Skills Forge is a state-of-the-art training facility designed to replicate modern engineering environments, providing students aged 16 and above, as well as apprentices, with direct access to industry leading equipment.

The partnership will nurture local talent while addressing recognised skills gaps across the region’s engineering and manufacturing sector by delivering tailored training opportunities that develop the next generation of highly skilled workers.

The facility features advanced manufacturing technologies including laser cutting, press brakes and dedicated welding bays, enabling learners to gain hands on experience with the tools and processes used across today’s demanding engineering sector.

As part of the initiative, students will also benefit from enhanced employability support, including monthly sessions with senior operational team members from Dyer, who will coach learners in industry leading techniques. Students will also receive vital guidance on CV and cover letter writing, alongside mock interview sessions designed to prepare them for real world recruitment processes and careers in engineering.

Lisa Waller, Director of Business Development (Sales and Growth) at New College Durham, said: “Dyer’s sponsorship and support for our Level 2 Fabrication and Welding course plays an important role in helping the college provide students with high-quality training, modern industry insight and meaningful pathways into engineering careers. By investing in skills development at a local level, Dyer is helping equip the next generation of fabricators and welders with the knowledge, confidence and practical experience needed to succeed in the sector, while strengthening the future workforce across County Durham and the wider region.”

Dyer has extensive experience across a wide range of industries including rail, energy, defence and process. Established in 1977, the County Durham based firm partners with blue-chip clients, providing specialist fabrication services and complex machined metal components for global projects.

Adam Leggett, Managing Director of Dyer added: “Manufacturers rely on a strong pipeline of skilled people coming into industry. Our backing is a great way to help develop that talent locally. Facilities like this give students the chance to build the confidence needed to move into engineering careers, helping ensure these vital skills are developed and retained within our region.”

The collaboration further builds on the existing partnership between the college and Dyer, which began in 2024 through its multi award winning apprenticeship programme, demonstrating a shared commitment to investing in the next generation of skilled workers in the region.