CAREERS staff from across the region have been briefed on the latest opportunities in further education as a college prepares to celebrate ten years on its hi-tech site.
Darlington College staff welcomed guidance advisors from secondary schools and local authorities in the town, Teesside and North Yorkshire to an update event on the FE curriculum and new facilities.
Careers experts were given a tour of facilities and an overview of significant developments at the college, before taking part in a six-minute speed update carousel with staff from nine curriculum areas.
Deputy principal Carole Todd said: “The college has been undergoing a transformation over the past six to nine months which has been a very rewarding journey.
“We are very proud of what we have achieved so far and were keen to share it with our secondary education colleagues across the region.”
In a question and answer session with a group of learners, delegates were given an honest insight into life at the college and the benefits of studying in a more adult environment than school.
Careers teacher for Longfield Academy and Darlington School of Mathematics and Science Gill Smith said: “This sort of event is vital as we can talk to students and tutors and get all the information we need on courses and destinations.
“This helps us when we go into schools as we have a much clearer picture of what is available. Education evolves, it is always changing, as are university and job requirements, so it is important to keep up to date.”
Aspiration and engagement officer for North Shore Academy, Stockton, Gill Sangster added: “We have students with specific interests so to be able to sit down with college staff is really beneficial.
“FE colleges across the Tees Valley offer something different so it is important to give our students a clear understanding of what is out there.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
