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East Durham College is leading the way for the North East’s health and health science sector

As the biggest employer in the North East, the health and health science sector is set to benefit from a huge skills training boost as part of a £3.6 million government-funded initiative to plug skills gaps and grow the economy.

Leading on health science, East Durham College is collaborating with other education providers to develop and deliver training programmes aligned to the employer skills shortages and requirements identified in the North East Local Skills Improvement Plan (NELSIP).

Jackie Lanagan, Assistant Principal at East Durham College, said: “We are proud to be leading the way in curriculum development with employers in health science.  We know when we work in partnership with employers to design and develop a skill-based curriculum, we are truly supporting them to upskill their workforce and train new recruits.

“This sector is the largest employer of people here in the North East, and it’s East Durham College’s vision and commitment to support both employers and employees with their training and skills needs at an exciting time of growth.”

Immersive Learning

So far, the funding has facilitated the installation of a state-of-the-art cleanroom laboratory, as well as a realistic hospital training ward, to support a range of hands-on health science training programmes available now – and to follow – at the college’s Peterlee campus.

Alan Nixon, Director of Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning at East Durham College, said: “If ever there was a time to retrain, it’s now. This funding has opened the door to an amazing opportunity to get into the health science industry. 

“We are helping to develop the future workforce for the health science industry right now. This new talent will hit the industry fully trained and ready to go. It really is an exciting time for employers across the region.”

Invaluable Skills

The first programme to launch the series is the Level 2 Healthcare Science Assistant Apprenticeship, designed to equip learners with the skills they need to excel in healthcare science assistant roles, through practical and accessible immersive learning.

From understanding health and safety best practice in a true healthcare science environment, to communicating effectively with the laboratory and the wider multi-disciplinary team, apprentices will learn the fundamental practical skills required, before they enter the industry.

Aisha Munro, MSc, AMRSB, Trainer, Coach, and Lecturer of the health science apprenticeship programmes at East Durham College, said: “Apprentices are the future workforce. These programmes will equip them with the skills to hit the ground running, and forge a fantastic career in the health and health science sector.

“I feel honoured to play a part in shaping the careers of these apprentices, as well as helping develop the next generation of healthcare staff. This is an exciting opportunity for businesses – now is the time to start your apprenticeship journey.”

Want to know more? 

To find out more about the Level 2 Healthcare Science Assistant Apprenticeship, or how East Durham College can support your business, email business@eastdurham.ac.uk, call 0191 518 5508 or visit their website

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by East Durham College .