WORK to extend a specialist training college to offer more vocational courses to people with autism got underway this week.
The North-East Autism Society (Neas) is renovating a disused building at the North East Autism Centre, the charity’s £9m educational facility in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
Once complete, in early January, the building will provide additional teaching space for Thornbeck College, a specialist training centre that offers tailored courses to people with autism aged 16 and over.
The £375,000 extension will enable the college, which was rated outstanding by Ofsted, to provide more vocational courses, including car maintenance, catering and woodwork, along with existing subjects such as hairdressing, floristry and textiles.
The contractor, Northern Bear Building Services, is also creating a kitchen and deli, which will be open to the public.
Christine Dempster, director of education at Neas, said: “This building will be a fantastic addition to Thornbeck College.
“Learners with autism really benefit from accessing practical activities in a real life context.”
Neas is still fundraising for the project, to make a donation visit ne-as.org.uk or call 0191-410-9974.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here