In this spotlight on education, apprenticeships and business, we chat to some of the team at East Durham College.
Leanne Fawcett met with new college Principal Scott Bullock, who is just a few weeks into the role; Sam Treadwell, the new Director of Apprenticeships; and Sara Jolly, who is the college’s Business Development Manager.
Scott, who has over 20 years’ experience working in the education sector, talks to us about his priorities as he looks to take the college on the next stage of its journey, how he plans to engage with the business community to plug the current skills gap, and what the college can do to nurture talent and keep it in the region.
Also new to the college is Sam Treadwell, who is three months into his role as Director of Apprenticeships and Work Based Learning. He tells us more about the areas he wants to focus on, including ensuring the college is fit for purpose and that its apprenticeship programme links to its education offering and exploring new markets to enhance the already strong apprenticeship offering.
Meanwhile, Sara Jolly discusses her plans to work with the private sector to ensure that the college is developing a talent pool that can meet the needs of employers in the area, and the various support streams that the college can offer to help businesses better plan for their futures.
EDB editor Leanne Fawcett, who interviewed the trio at East Durham College’s Peterlee campus, said: “It was great to meet Sara, Sam and Scott [pictured L-R opposite] as they are so passionate about what they do and are committed to putting in place the very best provisions and facilities for the young people and adults who attend the college. It was also interesting to learn more about how they’ll be linking up with the business community to plug the skills gap which is hampering growth for so many employers who are struggling to find the right people for the jobs they’re creating.”
eastdurham.ac.uk