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Call into ASC if you need careers guidance, advice on student finances or personal counselling. They offer an impartial and confidential service and can provide information on careers, courses, personal or health issues, student funding and welfare.

Our ASC team are here to help if you have questions about student finance, careers or future study options or would you like help with job applications.

They also offer counselling support if you are worried about any personal issues including mental health.

You can even use our ASC team before you join the college. If you are thinking about studying here our ASC team can help. You can speak to our advisers about financial support, your future plans and career goals.

Our specialist staff offer drop-in sessions for quick queries or appointments for more in-depth chats.

Download our  pdf Statement Of Service (155 KB)  

  • Careers and funding advice

    Find Your Future with ASC (Advice Support Careers) at New College Durham

    Choosing your next step in education or your career can be both exciting and overwhelming — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The ASC (Advice Support Careers) team at New College Durham is here to guide you through your options, offering expert advice and support to help you make informed decisions about your future.

    Our team is highly qualified, Matrix Standard Accredited, and committed to providing free, impartial, and confidential guidance to:

    • Potential students
    • Current students
    • New starters
    • Former students

    Whether you’re considering further education, an apprenticeship, higher education, or entering the workforce, we’ll help you take a practical, realistic approach to career planning. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and prepared for whatever path you choose.

    What We Offer to Students, Parents, and Carers

    • Support in choosing the right course, apprenticeship, or higher education option
    • Guidance on employability skills: CV writing, cover letters, job applications, interview techniques, and how to leverage labour market information (LMI)
    • Access to resources like the CiCi Careers Chatbot
    • Referrals to specialist agencies for welfare and personal support
    • Information on available funding: including the Access Fund, childcare support, and external financial assistance
    • Advice on funding options for further and higher education courses
    • Dedicated support for Home, EU, and Overseas students
    • Face-to-face or remote career guidance with experienced advisers

    Let us be part of your journey towards the future you want!

    👉 Discover more about our careers services and the activities we offer throughout the academic year by viewing our   pdf Careers Programme (5.25 MB) .

    Your Career Support at New College Durham

    At New College Durham, we’re committed to supporting your career journey every step of the way. Whether you're studying full-time, part-time, or as an apprentice, you can access a wide range of career support designed to help you succeed.

    Here’s what you can expect:

    • Clear information on available support from both the ASC (Advice Support Careers) team and your course tutor, starting from induction and continuing throughout your studies.
    • 1:1 Careers Guidance Appointments: Book a 45-minute session or drop in for a 20-minute chat, whichever suits you best.
    • Personalised Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) tailored to your background, culture, and beliefs.
    • Progression Interviews to ensure you’re on track and moving toward your goals.
    • Relevant work placements and employer encounters aligned with your studies and career aspirations.
    • Careers education, labour market information and employability skills delivered by Careers Advisers and Personal Development Coaches.
    • Guidance on university and apprenticeship applications and support with application processes.
    • Enrichment opportunities that help you build the skills needed for the workplace.
    • Access to a variety of careers resources to support your development.

     

    Meet the team – Carl, Ellen & Mairi

    NCD03958

     

    Introducing FutureMe: Your Path to Higher Education and Beyond

    futureme

    The FutureMe Programme at New College Durham is designed to expand your horizons and give you the advice and guidance needed to explore a wide range of higher education options. Whether you're considering university, an apprenticeship, or directly entering the workforce, we provide the support you need to make informed decisions about your future.

    Through exciting events like careers fairs, HE exhibitions, mock interviews, employer talks, and site visits, you’ll gain the skills, insight, and confidence to move forward with your goals. Our tailored support for students from underrepresented backgrounds ensures that everyone has the opportunity to access the resources and opportunities they deserve.

    Higher education qualifications open doors to successful careers, not just in the Northeast, but beyond. This is your future, and we’re here to help you make it happen!

    #FutureMe #FindYourNew #NCD

    Get in Touch with the ASC Team

    Our friendly and experienced ASC (Advice Support Careers) team is here to help with any questions you have about student finance, career options, future study paths, or job applications.

    You can contact us before you even join the college, we’re ready to help with any queries you may have.

    How to reach us:

    • Phone: 0191 375 4400
    • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    • In Person: Drop by the ASC office for quick queries or to book a more in-depth appointment.

    Feedback: Shaping Our Careers Programme

    We’re committed to delivering a high-quality careers service that meets your needs. We follow the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks outlined by the Department for Education (DfE), ensuring world-class careers guidance. Your feedback is vital in helping us improve and grow, so we’d love to hear your thoughts!

     

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    We look forward to hearing from you and helping shape the future of careers support at New College Durham!

  • Counselling

    If you’re struggling with a personal, emotional or mental health issues, counselling could help.

    Counselling

    There are three qualified counsellors at the college who will offer you a safe space to talk to them in a safe and secure setting. Within counselling sessions, careful listening will be the focus however, the counsellors may also help you develop coping strategies, build resilience, and improve your overall emotional health. Counselling does not have to be focussed on college and will be accessible for a range of presenting issues. Sessions will remain confidential unless there is a risk of harm for you or anyone around you. This will be explained in further detail within your first session. If you would like to book an appointment or drop-in for a friendly chat, we are located in the asc office next to main reception or alternatively you can get in touch through the asc email.

    Mental Health Support

    • Daily drop in 12-1.
    • Anxiety awareness workshop.
    • Referral to local agencies.

     

    Meet the team – Taryn, Sophia and Georgia.

    Team Photo30 1

    Please do not hesitate to get in touch:

    Counselling Service

    ASC (Advice Support Careers)

    0191 375 4400 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    pdf ASC Time to talk (18.54 MB)

    pdf ASC Help and Support (1.04 MB)

  • Learner Development Co-ordinator (LDC)

    Personal Support

    The LDC can provide one to one support on a rage of academic and welfare issues, however the LDC is not a counselling service, but a listening, advocacy and where appropriate a sign posting service.  They can provide support on a range of issues including:

    • Academic or Disciplinary Issues
    • Mitigation Applications and Suspension of Studies (HE only)
    • Substance Misuse including Smoking Cessation
    • LGBTQ+ and Gender Identity
    • Bullying
    • Access to free sanitary products 
    • Assistance with complaints, concerns and compliments that sit outside the student forums.

    Contraception and Sexual Health (CASH)

    • The LDC runs the college’s confidential C-Card scheme that is accessible to all students under the age of 25 years.
    • STI Postal Screening Packs
    • Signposting to emergency contraception and other CASH/GUM services where appropriate.

    For further information:

    The LDC  is located in the Students’ Union Office (SP10) behind Starbucks in the Sport and Music Building. 

    The Students’ Union is open:

    Monday-Thursday 8.30am 5pm
    Friday 8.30am 4.30pm

    Telephone:  0191 375 4546

    Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.