New College Durham strengthens business support with development of specialist Training and Skills Development Team
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
New College Durham (NCD) is strengthening its role at the heart of the North East’s skills agenda with the launch of a new dedicated, business-facing Training and Skills Development facility.
Created as a dynamic hub for employers, learners and industry partners, the new facilities will make it easier than ever for businesses of all sizes to access high-quality adult skills training and workforce development opportunities. By bringing skills, employers and talent together in one dedicated space, NCD will help businesses respond to changing industry demands, tackle skills gaps and build the workforce they need to grow and thrive.
The new development reflects NCD’s continued commitment to driving adult skills, productivity and opportunity across the North East, ensuring that training is shaped by the needs of employers and delivers real impact for businesses, individuals and the wider regional economy.
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”
NCD’s experienced team works directly with employers to identify skills gaps, understand emerging workforce needs, and develop bespoke training programmes that support recruitment, retention, and employee development.
The team delivers a wide range of flexible workforce development solutions, including apprenticeships, accredited professional qualifications, short courses, leadership development, and technical skills training. These programmes are tailored to meet the needs of organisations of all sizes across every sector.
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. Together supporting the region’s ambitions to raise workforce skills, improve productivity, and drive inclusive economic growth by ensuring employers have access to the talent and training needed for long-term success.
During the recent academic year (2024/25), NCD’s Training and Skills Development Team succeeded in securing £14 million 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.
As employers continue to face skills shortages across key sectors including advanced manufacturing, engineering, construction, health, digital technologies and professional services, the college is investing further in strengthening relationships with industry while ensuring businesses can access high-quality training aligned to regional and national economic priorities.
Recently appointed one of only four Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence Colleges in the country, NCD's dedicated Training and Skills Development Team works closely with employers to ensure training provision reflects emerging technologies, evolving industry standards and future workforce demands.
Colleen Peters, Vice Principal Business Development, Productivity & Apprenticeships, New College Durham, 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.”
Employers interested in discussing training, recruitment or workforce development opportunities can contact the Training and Skills Development Team at Armstrong House, Abbeywoods Business Park, DH1 5GH on (0191) 375 4246
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