New College Durham and Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre (SBIC) are thrilled to announce a new partnership aimed at addressing the shortage of educational professionals in the region, with a particular focus on teaching assistant vacancies.
This exciting collaboration brings the educational expertise of New College Durham directly into the local community, offering a unique solution to meet the growing demand for qualified teaching assistants.
The courses are designed to equip individuals with essential skills and knowledge, enabling them to move into a role in the education sector. Participants on the programme will have the opportunity to complete a wide range of courses delivered by New College Durham within the SBIC premises.
"We are delighted to embark on this transformative partnership with SBIC," said Lisa Waller, Director of Business Development at New College Durham. "The high number of vacancies in the education sector, especially in the teaching assistant role, is a challenge we are determined to address. Together, we aim to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to fill these positions successfully."
In just four short months, this partnership has supported learners to successfully complete over 100 qualifications. These qualifications include Level 1 courses such as: Preparing to Work in Schools and Introduction to Early Years, as well as Level 2 courses in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health, Neuroscience, Understanding Childhood Illnesses, Equality and Diversity, and Mental Health & First Aid.
Responding to the growing demand for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) education, New College Durham has also introduced a new ESOL program within the SBIC centre.
One participant on the programme, Abiodu Oluwagbeminiyi Makanjuola – David, expressed their satisfaction with the experience: "It was nice attending the course at the SBIC; it was interactive, and I acquired more knowledge on children's mental health and the regulations. The trainer was good, and it provided a conducive environment with great learning teammates. It made it a memorable experience for me."
SBIC's Chair of Trustees Syed Musaddique Ahmed shared his excitement about the partnership, stating, "SBIC is delighted to partner with New College Durham, extending our reach to prepare members of our community for their journey into employment. It's a privilege to be part of this venture, and to see how it’s positively impacting our service users."
Following the successful launch of this partnership, New College Durham is keen to expand this programme to other community groups. If you would be interested in setting up a similar programme, please contact New College Durham on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
