College secures role in regional skills programme

A County Durham college has secured a key role in a £250 million regional skills programme aimed at helping adults retrain, change careers and access new employment opportunities.

East Durham College has been named an approved skills delivery partner for the 2026/27 academic year under the North East Skills Programme, backed by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.

The initiative aims to widen access to adult education and training, helping people develop the skills needed to secure employment, progress in their careers or move into industries facing workforce shortages.

The appointment builds on the college’s established adult education provision, which offers flexible, industry-focused courses tailored to the needs of learners, employers and the wider regional economy.

College bosses say the programme will open up further opportunities for adults to build on existing experience, develop practical skills and pursue new career paths, including self-employment.

Jackie Lanagan, vice principal curriculum and partnerships at East Durham College, said: “We are delighted to be named as a recognised skills provider within the North East Strategic Authority, we can help ensure adults access high-quality training that meets the needs of employers and communities.

This is about more than qualifications – it is about creating pathways into sustainable employment, supporting people to progress and retrain, and helping businesses access the skilled workforce they need to grow.”

Scott Bullock, principal and chief executive of East Durham College, added: “Skills are fundamental to the future prosperity of our region, and colleges have a vital role to play in making sure people have the opportunity to develop those skills at every stage of their lives.

“Being recognised as an Approved Skills Delivery Partner for 2026–2027 is an important milestone for East Durham College and reflects the strength of our adult education offer and our commitment to working in partnership to meet the needs of our communities and employers.

“We are proud to be contributing to the North East Skills Programme and to the wider ambition of creating a skilled workforce that can support the region’s future growth.”

The college is also investing in its facilities to strengthen vocational and technical training, ensuring learners are equipped with the skills and experience required by employers.

Its Houghall Campus is undergoing a major redevelopment to create a specialist centre for land-based, environmental and sustainability education.

Set to welcome its first students in September 2027, the redeveloped campus will provide state-of-the-art training facilities covering agriculture, horticulture, environmental management and animal care.

The investment forms part of the college’s wider commitment to aligning education with industry needs, helping learners gain practical experience, technical knowledge and recognised qualifications.

Scott added: “Our strong track record of working closely with employers is central to the success of our education and training.

“Our recent apprenticeship results demonstrate the impact of that approach, with learners gaining the skills, experience and industry knowledge that employers value.

“We are bringing that same employer-led approach to our adult skills provision, ensuring the training we offer is closely aligned to real opportunities in the labour market.”

Alongside adult learning, East Durham College offers vocational courses, apprenticeships and progression routes into further study, employment and self-employment.

Its involvement in the North East Skills Programme will support wider regional ambitions to tackle skills shortages, strengthen the workforce and make training more accessible to people at different stages of their working lives.

Adults interested in retraining, developing new skills or pursuing a career change can explore the college's latest courses at edc.ac.uk.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.