Derwentside College

17/10/2026

Join the Serco Recruitment Academy in partnership with Derwentside College and take the first step towards becoming a Detention Custody Officer.

Training Location: Consett Heart, Heritage & Arts Centre, Consett, DH8 5LA
Starting Monday 2 November
Week 1: 2nd–6th November | Week 2: 9th–12th November | 9:30am–2:30pm

We provide the training, qualifications, and support you need to succeed.
Register your interest today: 01207 585 914 or visit https://ow.ly/IBB050ZWOi6

16/10/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who attended our open event last night! It was lovely to see so many people come along and find out more about what we have to offer.

Missed out? Don’t worry! Our next open event is on Tuesday 9th February!
www.derwentside.ac.uk/events/open-event-tuesday-9th-february-2027/

In the meantime, you can email us [email protected] to book your FREE careers appointment and find out how we can help you.
We look forward to seeing you!

16/10/2026

WE’RE RECRUITING! 3 APPRENTICESHIP VACANCIES AT SONES PRODUCTS, STANLEY!
Looking to kick-start your career? Here’s your chance to earn while you learn!

In partnership with SONE Products Ltd, Derwentside College is advertising three exciting apprenticeship opportunities:
- Business Operations Administration
- Product Operator
- Machining Technician – Tool Room Setter Apprentice

These apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience, develop new skills and work towards a recognised qualification while learning on the job.

📍 Location: Sones Products, Stanley
📅 Closing date: 1 November

Don't miss out! Find out more and apply today:
www.derwentside.ac.uk/apprenticeships

16/10/2026

WE’RE HIRING! JOIN OUR TEAM!

Community Learning Leader

We’re looking for a motivated Community Learning Leader to join the team at Derwentside College!

Location: Derwentside College, with regional travel required
Hours: Permanent, full-time – 37 hours per week
Salary: £26,483 per annum
Closing date: Sunday 1 November 2026

If you’re ready to inspire others, support learning and make a positive impact, we’d love to hear from you!

👉 Apply today: https://ow.ly/vAcw50ZYmoR

Job Vacancies

15/10/2026

EXPLORING THE NEXT STEP TOWARDS THEIR FUTURE!

Learners from our Health and Social Care, Education and Early Years, and Digital Software Development courses recently took part in an interactive Schools and Colleges Open Day at the University of Sunderland City Campus.

They enjoyed hands-on subject sessions and had the opportunity to speak directly with university academics and student support services.
The day provided a valuable insight into university courses, student life and the exciting career possibilities available after college.

Experiences like these help our learners discover new possibilities, build confidence and make informed decisions about their future education and careers.

15/10/2026

A Wonderful Charity Event in Support of Willow Burn Hospice!

Today, our Hair, Beauty and Catering Department came together to host a fantastic charity event in support of Willowburn Hospice, this year’s chosen charity, selected by our learners from the PBS Team through a democratic vote as part of their British Values sessions.

💅 Hair & Beauty Department
Our learners offered a variety of treatments and pamper sessions, giving visitors the chance to relax, unwind and enjoy some well-deserved self-care.

☕ Catering Bistro
Our Bistro was buzzing with activity, serving delicious tea, coffee, cakes, biscuits and scones.

It was a wonderfully busy and successful event, filled with community spirit, teamwork and generosity.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, supported the event, enjoyed a treatment or stopped by the Bistro. Your support means so much and helped make the day such a success!

We are incredibly proud of our learners and staff for bringing their skills to life while supporting such a worthwhile local charity.

The Retreat Beauty Steel House Bistro

15/10/2026

Don't forget our Open Event starts at 4pm today! We look forward to welcoming you. Come and secure your place for September 2027.

15/10/2026

A huge thank you to Paul Johnson, Head Chef at Lord Crewe Arms Blanchland, for visiting our catering learners and demonstrating one of the delicious dishes from his menu in our training kitchen!

Roasted Local Grouse
Liver Sausage, Celeriac Fondant, Pickled Blackberries, Girolles & Watercress

As part of our Industry360 – bringing learning to life initiative, our learners had the fantastic opportunity to watch Paul in action, learn from his expertise and experience the skills and techniques used in a professional kitchen.

It was an absolute delight to see Paul showcase his culinary skills, and our learners loved tasting such outstanding food! Experiences like these inspire our future chefs, connect classroom learning with real-world industry practice, and bring learning to life.

A heartfelt thank you to Paul for sharing his time, knowledge and passion with our learners. We really appreciate your support! 👏

Industry360 – Bringing Learning to Life! Steel House Bistro

15/10/2026

WHO SAYS LEARNING HAS TO HAPPEN IN THE CLASSROOM?

Our Construction learners have been making the most of the sunshine this week while developing their practical skills and gaining valuable hands-on experience!

🧱 Level 1 Brickwork learners have been taking their bricklaying skills outdoors, using traditional sand and cement mortar to build their confidence and gain experience beyond the workshop.

🚧 Year 2 Highways Apprentices from Middlesbrough Council and North Yorkshire Council have been busy preparing for their End-Point Assessment (EPA) with Highways Lecturer Montana Jowett (Monty). They’ve been practising block paving, setting out give-way systems and preparing priority lane closures.

From bricklaying to highways, our learners are developing the practical skills, industry knowledge and real-world experience they need to succeed in their chosen careers.

Real skills. Real experience. Learning beyond the classroom. And a little bit of sunshine!

14/10/2026

🎓 DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE AT DERWENTSIDE COLLEGE! 💙

Not sure what you want to do after Year 11? Come along to our Open Event and explore the fantastic range of courses available at your local college!

From practical, career-focused subjects to routes towards university and employment, there’s something for everyone, including:

💄 Beauty Therapy
🍴 Catering & Hospitality
🏗️ Construction
💻 Digital, Computing & IT
👶 Education & Early Years
⚙️ Engineering
💇 Hairdressing
❤️ Health & Social Care

You can also discover our T Levels, Apprenticeships, University Pathways and ACE Programme — giving you plenty of options for your next step.

Come along, meet our tutors, explore our facilities, ask questions and find the course that’s right for you.

📅 Thursday 15 October 2026
⏰ 4pm–7pm
📍 Derwentside College

👉 Book your 1-2-1 visit today: https://ow.ly/237V50ZVXkU or call 01207 585900.

JOIN YOUR LOCAL COLLEGE. YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE. 🚀