Darlington College

04/09/2026

Develop your people. Strengthen your HR capability.

Whether you’re nurturing new HR talent or developing an experienced member of your team, Darlington College offers two CIPD apprenticeship pathways:

✔️ CIPD Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship
Ideal for employees beginning or developing their HR career, covering recruitment, employee records, HR systems, compliance, payroll administration and employee engagement. The programme can be completed in as little as 12 months.
✔️ CIPD Level 5 People Professional Apprenticeship
Designed for employees ready to develop more advanced people-practice skills, including employment law, employee relations, workforce planning, talent management, inclusion and wellbeing, performance, engagement and people analytics.

Learning is applied directly in the workplace through workshops, coaching, projects and professional development activities - helping apprentices contribute to your organisation throughout their programme.

Both apprenticeships can support existing employees or help you recruit and develop new HR talent.

To discuss the right pathway for your organisation, contact our Business Development Team:
📞 01325 503031 / 01325 503210
✉️ [email protected]

04/09/2026

We Are Open TOMORROW! 🙌

Still need to enrol? Darlington College is open this Saturday from 9.30am – 12.30pm.

Come along, enrol on your chosen course and get ready for the year ahead!

For more information, visit darlington.ac.uk

It’s going to be YOUR year to achieve great things – and Darlington College is here to help get you started. 💙💚

03/09/2026

Love photography and want to get more from your camera? Our Level 2 Photography course gives you the opportunity to develop your creative and technical skills while exploring different approaches to photography.

You’ll learn how to capture, develop and manipulate images using a range of equipment, techniques and image-processing software, with opportunities to explore areas including:
📸 Studio photography
🌆 Location photography
💼 Commercial photography
📰 Documentary photography
🎨 Experimental and alternative processes
🖥️ Image processing and manipulation
📁 Developing and presenting a portfolio

You'll also explore the wider photography industry, including copyright, intellectual property and photographers' rights, and discover where your skills could take you.
Whether you're looking to develop a creative interest, progress to Level 3 study, or explore opportunities in photography, marketing, photojournalism and creative media, it's a great way to take your photography further.

- One evening per week
- Around 20 weeks
- For adults aged 19+
- No specific entry requirements
- Funding may be available for eligible adults

Find out more and apply: https://darlington.ac.uk/course/180901/ncfe-l2-cert-in-photography--sept--19-/

03/09/2026

Another Major Step Forward for Darlington’s New STEM Centre! 🏗️

Plans have now been submitted for the landmark new STEM Centre at Darlington Science Park, which will become the new home for Darlington College’s science laboratories, data science and immersive learning facilities.

The development represents a major investment in the future of skills and education in Darlington, creating specialist facilities designed to support students, apprentices and employers across key STEM industries.

It’s an exciting milestone as plans for the new centre continue to move forward – and another glimpse of what’s to come for Darlington College! 👀

Full story: https://darlington.ac.uk/cityheart-submits-plans-for-landmark-stem-centre-at-darlington-science-park/

03/09/2026

Fantastic recognition for our very own Alan Gibson! 👏

We’re delighted to see Alan named as a finalist for the Building Heroes Industry Advocate of the Year Award, recognising those who go above and beyond to create opportunities for learners and the Armed Forces community.

A brilliant achievement and thoroughly deserved recognition for Alan’s work – good luck at the awards! 🤞

🏆 Next up is the Industry Advocate of the Year Award 🎉

This award celebrates an individual who actively champions Building Heroes and goes beyond their usual role to create valuable opportunities for our learners and the Armed Forces community.

Congratulations to this year's finalists:
- Ghislaine Halpenny, Arada London
- Mark Beaver, Davidsons Homes
- Alan Gibson, Darlington College
- John Leary, Lovell Homes

It's not long until we find out who's taking home the trophy 🏆

03/09/2026

Outdoor just got BIGGER! 🌲🧗🚣

Start your adventure with our Level 2 Outdoor Activity Leadership study programme at Darlington College.

Designed as an introduction to the outdoor industry, you’ll build practical skills, knowledge and confidence while making use of the region’s countryside and indoor adventure venues.

🏔️ Kayaking & canoeing
🧭 Navigation
🚵 Mountain biking
🧗 Rock climbing
🎓 Practical skills and introductory industry awards

Alongside plenty of hands-on experience, you’ll develop the technical knowledge and leadership skills needed to take your next step.

The Level 2 programme is an ideal progression route towards our Level 3 Outdoor Activity Leadership course, with opportunities further down the line to progress into employment or higher education.

Previous students progressing through our outdoor programmes have gone on to work as instructors with organisations including Plas Y Brenin, PGL and Outdoor Ambition, as well as national outdoor retailers.

No previous outdoor qualifications are required – an interest in the outdoors is what matters. Previous experience is useful but not essential, as full training will be provided.

Ready to get out there?

Find out more and apply: darlington.ac.uk > courses

03/09/2026

Passionate About Care?

Take your first step toward a rewarding career with our Level 1 Diploma in Health, Social Care & Children's and Young People’s Settings at Darlington College.

Starting NEXT WEEK!

Designed for adults aged 19+, this fully funded foundation course is the ideal starting point whether you're looking to launch a new career, return to work around school hours, or aren't yet sure whether Health & Social Care or Early Years Childcare is the right path for you.

You’ll explore:
* Foundation knowledge of adult health, social care, and early years settings
* Practical real-world experience (minimum 1-day work placement included)
* Bonus certifications: Healthy Living Certificate and First Aid Certificate
* Building a portfolio of evidence with no formal exams
* Essential Maths and English support integrated into your study
* Clear progression routes onto Level 2 Diplomas in Health or Childcare

With friendly tutor-led sessions, practical workshops, and a supportive environment, this course gives you the confidence, skills, and qualifications to make a real difference in people's lives.

* Venue: Echo Workspace (Northern Echo Building)
* Schedule: Mondays, 9:15am – 3:00pm (Term ends in June)
* Entry: No formal qualifications needed
* Eligibility: Fully funded for 19+ learners across Tees Valley and surrounding areas

Find out more and apply: https://darlington.ac.uk/course/180947/cache-l1-dip-in-intro-to-health--social-care---children-s---yp-setting/

02/09/2026

Got an Eye for Design? Turn It Digital. 🎨💻

Develop your creative skills with our Level 2 Award in Digital Graphics at Darlington College.

Starting Thursday 24 September!

Designed for adults aged 19+, this practical course will introduce you to the world of digital and graphic design – from developing an initial idea to creating finished graphics that respond to a client brief.

You’ll explore:
🎨 Digital design and graphic design principles
✏️ Drawing and idea generation
💻 Digital tools and image manipulation
💡 Developing creative concepts from client briefs
🖼️ Creating graphics for print and digital use
🔤 Branding, typography and visual communication
©️ Copyright and legal considerations
📁 Preparing and saving finished digital artwork

You'll develop your work through experimentation, refinement and reflection, building a portfolio of work as you progress.

And with skills relevant to graphic design, branding, marketing, social media, web design, creative media and more, it could be the start of something bigger.

- One evening per week
- Around 12 weeks
- No specific entry requirements
- Funding may be available for eligible adults aged 19+

Interested? Find out more and apply: https://darlington.ac.uk/course/180886/gway-l2-awd-in-digital-graphics/

02/09/2026

Ready to step up in your HR or people career?

If you live in the Tees Valley, you could study the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management at Darlington College with no tuition fees or student loan required.*

Designed for HR and people professionals ready to take their next step, this nationally recognised qualification will help you:
✔️ Build practical HR and people-management skills
✔️ Strengthen your confidence and professional credibility
✔️ Learn alongside and network with other professionals
✔️ Prepare for progression into more senior HR and people roles
✔️ Gain a CIPD qualification trusted by employers

Eligible residents may include those living in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees.

After Level 5, you could continue developing through the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management or explore relevant university progression routes.

If you’re ambitious, committed to your development and ready for the next step, this could be your moment.

Now enrolling at Darlington College.

Find out more: https://darlington.ac.uk/courses/professional-qualifications/

*Subject to eligibility and funding availability.

02/09/2026

We Have the Power ⚡

The next generation of electricians are set to benefit from an almost £30,000 major refit of our electrical workshops, giving students and apprentices access to upgraded skills bays, refurbished equipment and new, more sophisticated testing technology.

With 230,000 electricians needed nationally by 2030, the demand for skilled people entering the industry is clear.

From traditional electrical installation to emerging technologies including EV chargers, smart homes, solar panels and sustainable heating, our students are developing the skills employers need.

Full story: https://darlington.ac.uk/sparking-new-opportunities-with-30000-electrical-workshop-investment-at-darlington-college/



Pictured: Darlington College senior lecturer Gary Cook in the college’s refurbished electrical workshop, standing beside an EV charger and electrical installation training equipment.