East Durham College secures key role in North East Adult Skills Programme
East Durham College has secured a key role after being officially named an Approved Skills Delivery Partner for the 2026-2027 academic year in the new North East Skills Programme, a major new adult education initiative backed by a record £250 million investment through the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
The programme aims to give adults across the region greater access to training that can help them move into employment, progress in their careers, retrain for a new industry or develop the skills needed to pursue new opportunities.
For East Durham College, the new status builds on its established adult education provision and its commitment to providing flexible, industry-focused training that responds to the needs of learners, employers and the wider regional economy.
Jackie Lanagan, Vice Principal Curriculum and Partnerships, said:
"We are delighted to me 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."
The College's commitment to developing the region's future skills extends across its wider provision, with significant investment underway to ensure learners have access to modern facilities around the needs of employers and future industries.
Houghall Campus is undergoing a major redevelopment as East Durham College transforms the site into a modern, industry-led centre for land-based, environmental and sustainability education. The development forms part of East Durham College's wider commitment to ensuring learners are equipped with the practical skills, technical knowledge and experience needed by employers, from adults looking to change career today to the next generation preparing for the workforce of tomorrow.
Scott Bullock, Principal and CEO said:
"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."
The College also continues to build its track record of industry-focused education and training, supporting learners into employment, apprenticeships, further study and self-employment. Across East Durham College, adults can choose from a wide range of vocational and skills-based courses, with opportunities designed to support career changes, progression, personal development and new business ambitions.
Adults looking to retrain, gain new skills or turn passion into a career can explore our latest adult courses by visiting our Upcoming Adult Courses page.
