New College Durham approved to deliver Apprenticeship Units.

(L-R) Natasha Francis, Director of Apprenticeships and Partnerships and Sharon Bennett, Assistant Principal, Partnerships and Skills, New College Durham

New College Durham (NCD) has been approved by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver Apprenticeship Units, marking a significant step forward in strengthening regional skills provision and supporting employment pathways across the North East.

Apprenticeship units are short flexible training courses designed to support employers to upskill their workforce in critical skill shortage areas. Units are for employed learners aged 19 and over, where their employer has identified that they need to upskill quickly to respond to emerging skills gaps and to support business growth and productivity.

Natasha Francis, Director of Apprenticeships and Partnerships, New college Durham said: “Apprenticeship Units represent a powerful new way for individuals and employers to access high-quality, flexible training that delivers immediate impact. At New College Durham, we’ve developed our curriculum to respond directly to the needs of local employers by providing targeted, bite-sized learning that builds confidence, develops in-demand skills, and supports progression. It’s about opening doors, developing the existing workforce, and ensuring our region’s workforce is ready for the future.”

The development builds on New College Durham’s strong record of accomplishment in apprenticeship delivery, offering programmes across a wide range of sectors including construction, engineering, business, health, and education. Apprenticeships at the college combine practical, work-based learning with nationally recognised qualifications, enabling learners to earn while they develop in-demand skills.

Through the delivery of Apprenticeship Units, the college aims to enhance its ability to engage with employers, support jobseekers into training, and contribute to the government’s wider ambitions to boost productivity and workforce readiness.

Sharon Bennett, Assistant Principal, Partnerships and Skills, New College Durham, added:

“The approval to deliver Apprenticeship Units is a significant milestone for the college. It strengthens our ability to connect individuals with meaningful employment opportunities while working together with employers to meet real skills needs.

“This initiative will allow us to further expand our offer, ensuring more people can access high-quality training, gain valuable workplace experience, and progress into sustainable, rewarding careers. At a time when employers are seeking skilled, work-ready talent, this development ensures New College Durham remains at the forefront of delivering the skills that drive economic growth and opportunity in our region.”

To ensure relevant high-quality, targeted training apprenticeship units are based on the knowledge and skill set required to meet employer-led occupational standards. Each unit is short and precise. With the length of training ranging from 30 and 140 hours which can be delivered over a period of 1 to 16 weeks. This enables employers to have maximum flexibility to select a unit that meets their specific skill and training requirement while accessing training in a way that fits around their business.

New College Durham is inviting businesses to take advantage of the fantastic opportunity to benefit both their business, and the development of their workforce by becoming actively involved in shaping the curriculum and delivery of the following courses:

· AI Leadership

· Electric vehicle (EV) charging point installation and maintenance

· Electrical fitting and assembly

· Mechanical fitting and assembly

· Permanent modular building assembly

· Solar PV installation and maintenance

· Welding (mechanised)

· Battery Manufacturing

For further details please contact: Natasha Francis, Director of Apprenticeships and Partnerships, 0191 3754 146 or email natasha.francis@newdur.ac.uk