NEW College Durham has extended an invitation to employers to work together with them in partnership, to ensure the region has the skills and the work force it will need in the future to drive it forward.

The college opened its doors to employers at its recent employer breakfast networking event held in May. It’s the first event of its kind organised by the college.

John Widdowson, principal and chief executive at New College Durham said: “We have a close working relationship with a range of employers from the region, however, it’s vital that we increase these networks and relationships if we, as a college, are able to continue meeting the future needs of the region in terms of our students having the skills employers need as the region develops. The idea behind the event was to listen to employers and to also discuss some of the changes happening in education that will impact on and benefit their organisations.”

The event was a success with more than 40 employers in attendance, from a variety of sectors including finance, retail, public sector, energy and the arts.

The college, one of the first due to introduce the new T-levels, has committed to hosting more employer-partnership events, with three scheduled during the next academic year.

The college has also made it through to the next stage of the application process to become an Institute of Technology.