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East Durham College Celebrates Top 10 National Apprenticeship Ranking as Employer Partnerships and Campus Investment Drive Growth

Heleana student East Durham College

East Durham College has been recognised as one of the country’s leading apprenticeship providers after achieving a 75% apprenticeship achievement rate, significantly above the national average of 65.7% placing the college among the top 10 college providers nationally for apprenticeship achievement.

The latest Department for Education National Achievement Rate Tables also come as East Durham College continues to expand its apprenticeship offer, becoming the fastest-growing college provider of apprentices in the North East based on apprenticeship starts between August 2025 and January 2026 compared with the same period in the previous year.

The achievement reflects the college’s commitment to delivering high-quality training that equips apprentices with the skills, experience and confidence needed to succeed, while helping employers develop the workforce they need for the future.

Scott Bullock, Principal and CEO of East Durham College, said:

“These results are a fantastic endorsement of the hard work and dedication shown by our apprentices, staff and employer partners. To be recognised among the top-performing colleges nationally while also being the fastest-growing college provider of apprentices in the North East demonstrates the strength of our apprenticeship provision and the impact it is having across the region.”

The college works with employers across a wide range of sectors, creating opportunities for learners to gain valuable workplace experience while earning and developing industry-recognised skills.

One example is the college’s Developing Futures partnership with Robertson Homes, which provides students with access to industry masterclasses, mentoring and work experience opportunities across the construction sector. The initiative has already helped learners progress into apprenticeships in areas including brickwork, joinery, electrical installation, painting and decorating, supported by a network of employer partners and supply chain businesses.

The college is also committed to widening participation in apprenticeships and supporting learners into sectors where they have traditionally been underrepresented, including creating opportunities for women pursuing careers in skilled trades such as painting and decorating.

The impact of the Developing Futures Programme can be seen through learners like Heleana, the first Painting and Decorating apprentice recruited through the programme with Paul Bertram Painting & Decorating. Through the programme, she accessed a supported route into industry-led learning, gained valuable hands-on experience, and secured a pathway into a skilled profession.

Reflecting on her journey, Heleana said: “The Developing Futures Programme gave me the opportunity to start a career in painting and decorating with the support and experience I needed to build my confidence. It’s opened the door to a future I’m excited about.” Her success demonstrates how the programme is helping talented individuals access sustainable employment while meeting the skills needs of local employers.

The success comes as East Durham College continues to invest in the future of technical and vocational education through significant developments at its Houghall Campus.

Houghall Campus has already benefited from a previous multi-million-pound investment, completed in 2016 and officially opened in 2017, which delivered industry-standard facilities including specialist animal care centres, agricultural training facilities, STEM laboratories, veterinary nursing facilities, IT suites and one of the region’s leading equine centres. Building on this investment, East Durham College is now transforming Houghall Campus for the future of green and rural skills through a major redevelopment programme, due for completion in April 2027.

The project will create modern, industry-standard learning environments for agriculture, animal management and science, floristry, and environmental management, alongside enhanced agricultural training resources and a new teaching and learning facility.

Designed to reflect the evolving needs of employers and the region’s growing green economy, the redevelopment will strengthen skills, sustainability and opportunity across the North East by supporting training in sustainability, agri-tech and environmental skills that will equip the future workforce.

Scott added:

“Apprenticeships are one of the most effective routes into skilled employment, allowing people to earn while they learn while gaining invaluable workplace experience.

By working closely with employers and continuing to invest in facilities such as those at Houghall Campus, we are ensuring our learners have access to the skills, opportunities and environments they need to thrive.”
 
East Durham College offers apprenticeships across a broad range of sectors, supporting learners at every stage of their career journey while helping employers develop and retain skilled talent. www.edc.ac.uk

 

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Filtronic Secures Further US Contract as Space Communications Demand Continues to Grow

Filtronics new facility at NETPark (Credit: Filrtonic)

Space North East England member Filtronic has secured a further £400,000 contract with a US customer, reinforcing the growing international demand for it’s specialist communications technologies.

The agreement follows an earlier £6 million contract with the same customer and marks another positive milestone for one of the region’s leading space and telecommunications businesses.

Headquartered at NETPark, Filtronic specialises in advanced radio frequency (RF) technologies that support applications across satellite communications, telecommunications and aerospace markets. The latest contract will see the company supply satellite communications equipment to its US customer, further strengthening its position in a rapidly expanding global market.

The announcement highlights the increasing opportunities available to companies operating within the space and satellite communications sector. As demand for satellite connectivity, data services and next-generation communications infrastructure continues to grow worldwide, businesses with specialist expertise are finding new routes to international markets.

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North East Space Conference Highlights Region’s Growing Investment Opportunity

A woman giving a presentation

The North East Space Conference 2026 demonstrated the growing strength and ambition of the region’s space sector, bringing together more than 350 delegates from industry, academia, government and the investment community to explore future opportunities for growth, collaboration and inward investment.

Opened by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, the conference highlighted the increasing role the sector is playing in driving innovation, attracting investment and creating high-value jobs across the region.

Hosted by Space North East England at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham, the conference focused on a clear ambition: converting the North East’s growing reputation for innovation into increased national and international investment.

While the region’s space sector has developed steadily over the past decade, this year’s event reflected growing confidence that the North East is now positioned to play a much larger role in the UK’s space economy.

A key theme throughout the conference was the strength of the North East’s wider industrial ecosystem and the opportunities this creates for businesses both within and beyond the traditional space sector.

As space technologies become increasingly important to communications, defence, manufacturing and environmental monitoring, opportunities are emerging for companies with capabilities that can be applied across multiple markets. Discussions highlighted how businesses operating in advanced manufacturing, cyber security, artificial intelligence, engineering and defence can diversify into the rapidly growing space economy.

The conference also highlighted the significant supply chain opportunities emerging across the sector. Lockheed Martin’s £100 million proposal to build its UK satellite manufacturing facility at NETPark in County Durham demonstrates growing confidence in the capability of regions such as the North East to support globally significant space activity.

The region is well positioned to capitalise on this growth thanks to its concentration of advanced manufacturing and technology businesses, supported by world-class research and skills assets. Organisations including Durham University’s Space Research Centre (SPARC), Northumbria University’s North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) and New College Durham’s North East Institute of Technology are helping to develop the talent and innovation pipeline required to support future demand.

Growing links between the space and defence sectors were another key talking point. As satellite technologies become increasingly important to national security and resilient communications, collaboration between the two sectors continues to strengthen.

County Durham is already home to a number of companies operating across both markets, including NETPark-based businesses such as Filtronic, Kromek, RED Scientific and Graphene Composites. Their expertise in advanced materials, semiconductors, communications and defence technologies aligns closely with future space sector requirements.

Alongside innovation and skills, the conference reinforced the North East’s wider proposition for new businesses moving to the region. Businesses can access specialist facilities, connect to strong digital connectivity, a highly skilled workforce and, importantly, the space required to grow and scale.

Speaking after the event, Lisa Mullen, Cluster Director for Space North East England, said: “The North East has established a strong reputation for collaboration, innovation and manufacturing excellence. This year’s conference demonstrated the growing interest from investors and industry leaders who recognise the opportunities our region offers.”

The conference reinforced a clear message: the North East’s space sector is no longer an emerging opportunity. It is becoming an increasingly important contributor to the UK’s space ambitions and a compelling destination for investment, innovation and growth.

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Opening date confirmed for The Light

The Light exterior of the building

An opening date has been announced for Durham City’s latest cultural attraction, heralding the start of an exciting new chapter for art, history and innovation in the North East.

Durham County Council has confirmed The Light will open its doors on Saturday 22 August, with visitors invited to experience a spectacular exhibition of international light art.

Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light will launch the venue’s ambitious cultural programme, featuring groundbreaking works by artists who use light in extraordinary ways – Tracey Emin, Dan Flavin, Olafur Eliasson, and Chila Burman to name just a few.

Tickets are now on sale for the exhibition, which will span three galleries in the newly transformed building, once home to the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum and Durham Art Gallery in Aykley Heads.

Inspired by one of the 19th century scientists who first created artificial light, Victory Over the Sun will immerse audiences in a range of sensory effects, increasing their understanding of how we see and experience light, and showcasing the links between light, science and nature. The North East’s own part in this story will also be celebrated, with a replica of the first British lightbulb, invented by the Sunderland-born physicist Joseph Swan, included within the show.

Visitors to The Light will also have the chance to discover more about the DLI at a fascinating new permanent exhibition. Featuring images, sounds, hands-on activities and rich sensory experiences, We Are The Durhams builds upon the venue’s military heritage to tell a deeply human story of identity, belonging and community.

In addition to the cultural offer, The Light will include dedicated areas for educational and community activities, a café with an outdoor terrace overlooking beautiful grounds and flexible spaces for meetings and events.

Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome people to our new cultural venue The Light this August.

“By remodelling and extending the existing 1960s building, we have created a modern and spacious venue capable of hosting world-class contemporary exhibitions. A dedicated DLI gallery, meanwhile, will bring stories from the Regiment to life in ways that have never been possible before.

“The building has always been both a museum and an art gallery and this tradition will continue at The Light. Through exhibitions such as Victory Over The Sun, we will celebrate County Durham’s heritage and innovative spirit through spectacular works of art, while providing opportunities for artists to collaborate and for our residents to enjoy a fun and inspiring day out.

“The Light is also simply a wonderful and relaxing place to spend time, whether that be viewing the amazing artworks, meeting friends for lunch in the café or enjoying a stroll around the grounds. I would encourage everyone to come along and experience what’s on offer.”

To celebrate the opening of the new venue, The Light will come alive this summer with an action-packed opening weekend launching a season of activity designed to inspire visitors of all ages to come together and get creative.

The programme will continue for the remainder of the school holidays, with the venue opening seven days a week and offering a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for children and families. Inspired by the theme of “light” – a refence to both the DLI and the extraordinary works featured in Victory Over the Sun – visitors can expect spectacle, hands-on creativity and inspiring ideas. Further details of the opening programme will be announced in July.

Situated at the heart of Aykley Heads, The Light will be an anchor institution of the emerging Durham Innovation District. Acting as a meeting place and creative hub it will support the game-changing ambitions of the new district and play a key part in the sustainable growth of the site.

“In County Durham we have a long-standing commitment to culture-based regeneration,” Cllr Allison continued. “We recognise the transformational impact it has on our communities and our economy, and this is reflected in the prominent role The Light will play in the Durham Innovation District.

“Culture and tourism are major contributors to County Durham’s economy, bringing in more than £1 billion a year. The Light will support this by drawing in more visitors and making us a more attractive place to live, work and invest.”

Victory Over the Sun will run until Sunday 17 January 2027. Tickets are now available to book online at www.thelightdurham.org.uk priced at £10 for adults and £2.50 for children under 18 for a two-hour timed entry slot. An exhibition season pass is available priced at £25. Tickets will also be available to buy on the door when the venue opens priced at £12.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.

Other featured artists include Maarten Baas, Yto Barrada, Tina Bech, James Clar, Shezad Dawood, Spencer Finch, Ceal Floyer, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Katrin Hanusch, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Jenny Holzer, Hilary Jack, Glenn Ligon, Erin McDougle, Steve McQueen, Tatsuo Miyajima, Ivan Navarro, Katie Paterson, David Shrigley, Liz West and Cerith Wyn Evans.

Victory Over the Sun has been curated by Natasha Howes, senior curator at Haigh Hall, former principal curator at Light Night Leeds and former senior curator at Manchester Art Gallery.

Entry to The Light and We Are The Durhams is free.

In August, The Light will be open every day, from 10am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; from 10am to 8pm on Thursday; and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday. The café will be open from 10am to 4pm.

From September, the venue will be closed on Monday and Tuesdays, with other opening hours remaining the same.

To find out more, visit www.thelightdurham.org.uk and follow @thelightdurham on Facebook and Instagram.

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Durham University rises to 85th in prestigious QS World University Rankings 2027

People walking down the stairs

Durham University has been ranked 85th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, up nine places from last year.

The QS World University Rankings are widely acknowledged as the most influential university rankings globally. The 2027 rankings, assessed 8,808 institutions, saw Durham enhance its position in the employer reputation, academic reputation, and citations per faculty categories of assessment. 

Durham performed particularly strongly for reputation with employers, ranking 49th – up 15 places. Its reputation for academic excellence was also acknowledged, rising three places, as was its position among the world’s leading universities for sustainability – being placed joint 24th. 

Durham is The Times and The Sunday Times University of the Year, and ranks in the UK’s top five universities. In the Complete University Guide, announced earlier this month, 31 of 32 subjects at Durham were ranked in the top ten in the UK.  

Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden at Durham University, said: “To rise nine places to 85th in the QS World University Rankings is a tremendous achievement, in an outstanding year for Durham University. 

“That employers rank us among the world’s top 50 universities is particularly important for our students and graduates, indicating the exceptional value that a Durham degree holds in equipping students for work and preparing them for career success.” 

As well as an outstanding education, Durham provides students with exceptional opportunities to enhance their employability through developing their leadership skills and starting new businesses. Its Hazan Venture Lab helps Durham students develop their entrepreneurial skills and incubate new ventures.  

Durham’s top category in the QS World University Rankings 2027 is Sustainability (joint 24th), through which the social and environmental impact of universities as centres of education and research is assessed.   

Durham research is helping society understand and address the pressing challenge of climate change, from ice sheet melting to harnessing geothermal energy; from decarbonising shipping to unlocking the potential of hydrogen.   

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North East Space Conference highlights region’s growing investment opportunity

A man giving a presentation

The North East Space Conference 2026 demonstrated the growing strength and ambition of the region’s space sector, bringing together more than 350 delegates from industry, academia, government and the investment community to explore future opportunities for growth, collaboration and inward investment.

Opened by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, the conference highlighted the increasing role the sector is playing in driving innovation, attracting investment and creating high-value jobs across the region.

Hosted by Space North East England at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham, the conference focused on a clear ambition: converting the North East’s growing reputation for innovation into increased national and international investment.

While the region’s space sector has developed steadily over the past decade, this year’s event reflected growing confidence that the North East is now positioned to play a much larger role in the UK’s space economy.