HEATHER BARRON looks at what’s on offer at New College Durham University Centre – and talks to a grandmother who has made the most of the opportunities

THE way we learn has changed in so many ways over the years. Once, further and higher education were the privilege of the few. But times have changed – aspirations have grown, and now, we all have access to better education and better prospects.

As New College Durham, it was well known for its outstanding provision of further education. Following recognition, earlier this year, of the quality of its higher education provision, the Department of Education has granted it the use of the title ‘University Centre’.

Offering a varied range of university-level qualifications including degrees, HNCs/HNDs, higher apprenticeships and professional qualifications, students at the college get the same high-quality qualification they would at a traditional university, but the experience along the way is very different.

New College Durham University Centre is an enthusiastic exponent of ‘education for all’, with many of the vocational and practical courses ideally suited for people who are already in work – taking into account different lifestyles, work commitments, and daily demands of the individual, making studying not only more accessible, but more enjoyable.

Being in employment doesn’t mean the end of education. New College Durham University Centre supports Lifelong Learning, understanding that individuals come back to learning because of a variety of reasons.

  • Better work prospects
  • A change of employment
  • Self-improvement
  • A change in personal circumstances

Many of the College’s programmes are designed in partnership with local and national businesses. This practical focus gives students the opportunity to develop the skills and qualities employers want.

Flexibility of learning means that study can be dovetailed into the working week, allowing employees to gain qualifications that will benefit both themselves and the business.

Classes are smaller than at traditional universities, and includes a lot of one-to-one support, which fosters a much more personal approach. Because teaching can be done in evening classes, it doesn’t have to impinge on the working day.

Alison Maynard, Deputy Principal, says: “New College Durham University Centre offers a fantastic place for your employees to upskill and gain the qualifications they need to help progress your business.

“They will learn in our dedicated University Centre building, where they will have access to informal and group learning spaces. We also take a personal approach to learning, with small class sizes and easy access to tutors, to ensure learners get the most out of their time studying with us. With part-time and evening study available, employees can blend work with study.”

With no age limit to apprentices, employers can use their Apprenticeship Levy Fund to help their staff to gain higher business qualifications – right up to degree level.

Colleen Peters, Vice Principal Business Development, commented: “We work with many employers to help them get the most from their levy payments and support them with their training needs. This can include upskilling their existing workforce, or offering training to attract new talent.

“We offer solutions for both levy-paying employers and for smaller companies. Our expert advisors work with businesses of all sizes to guide them through the funding for apprenticeships, and what training will be most beneficial for an organisation to help maximise their training budget. We can work with employers to develop a tailor-made solution to ensure you get the most for your business.”

The college has also been awarded the licence to operate as the North East Institute of Technology – one of only 12 in the country. As an IoT, New College Durham University Centre will specialise in delivering higher technical education (at Level 4 and 5) with a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects, such as engineering, digital and construction.

This will provide students with a clear route to technical employment, and employers with a skilled workforce.

Jacqui's route to success

JACQUI McCormack’s connection to New College Durham University Centre spans nearly 50 years. She first attended the college as a 16-year-old, straight from school, and now, as a 63-year-old grandma, has taken it to a higher level. 

Jacqui joined Durham County Council in 2010 as a customer services officer for Social Care Direct, then moved into Housing in 2012 as a support officer. Although she didn’t need a degree for this role, Jacqui was ambitious and decided to embark on a programme of study with New College Durham University Centre, working towards gaining a degree.   

Through Durham County Council’s Apprenticeship Scheme, she achieved her Level 3 Certificate in Housing qualification in 2015 – also being named Housing Apprentice of the Year. From 2017 to 2019 she continued her studies, gaining a distinction for her Level 4 Foundation Degree in Senior Housing and Property Management (CIH).

Under the Apprenticeship Scheme, Jacqui was able to continue to work while also studying for her qualifications.

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“I was very surprised that I was able to do an apprenticeship,” she admits. “You think it’s only for people up to a certain age, but it’s actually available to anyone.”

It wasn’t easy, because Jacqui was also juggling childminding for her grandchildren. But with the help of her employer through the Apprenticeship Scheme, and the flexibility of the course, she was able to manage it.

“I was able to condense my working week in to four days, which allowed me a day to childmind for my grandchildren,” she explains. “Because I was on an apprenticeship scheme, I was given time to attend college, and to study and do my assignments.”

During a restructure within the council, Jacqui took on the role of Housing Officer, and, in January 2020, decided to carry on studying with New College Durham University Centre, for a Level 6 BA (Hons) Management (top-up).

Jacqui, now 63, graduated in June 2021, with a First.

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When she subsequently applied and was interviewed for the role she has now – Monitoring Officer – she says that having the qualification helped her.

“In the interview, I was able to use a lot of what I’d learned on the management course to help me,” she said. “Although I had gained a lot of experience in the job, it was backed up by what I had learned at college. I really do think that my confidence in the interview was because I had the college course behind me.”

“I call myself ‘the oldest apprentice in town’,” she laughs, “ but I’ve learned that you’re never too old to go back to learning. Even if you didn’t do so well at school, it doesn’t stop you being able to achieve in later life.

“I couldn’t have done it without the support of both my employer and the college.”

  • To find out more about the courses available, please go to: www.newdur.ac.uk
  • New College Durham University Centre is on the Framwellgate Moor Campus, Durham, DH1 5ES
  • Email: help@newdur.ac.uk