Northumberland College launches new construction academy for school students
Northumberland College has partnered with Bernicia Homes and Dukes Secondary School to give students the opportunity to develop construction skills.
The new Construction Academy will bring education and industry closer together, helping students gain industry experience.
The launch builds on the success of the Engineering Academy, created in 2025 through a partnership between Northumberland College, Duke's Secondary School, AkzoNobel, JDR Cable Systems and Universal Wolf – Tharsus.
It comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced major reforms to 14-16 education.
The college's academies allow students to combine their GCSE studies at school with a Level 2 technical qualification in Constructing and Maintaining the Built Environment.
They will benefit from industry-led teaching and practical training at college and on-site with Bernicia Homes, preparing them for further education, apprenticeships and employment.
They will receive branded academy uniforms and, upon successful completion of the two-year programme, will be guaranteed an apprenticeship interview with Bernicia Homes or guaranteed a place at Northumberland College.
From October, the academy will be based at Northumberland College's new Ashington Campus at Wansbeck Business Park.
Russ Atkinson, Principal of Duke’s Secondary School, said: “This partnership gives our students the opportunity to learn in a real vocational environment, gain a recognised qualification and develop the practical skills that local employers are looking for.
“By working closely with Northumberland College and local businesses, we are making sure that education is connected to the needs of our community and creating clear pathways into further education, apprenticeships and employment.”
John Johnston Bernicia CEO said: “This fantastic initiative will give students a closer experience of the world of work and help prepare them for a successful career in maintenance and construction.
“The Construction and Housing Academy is a great extension to our employability and apprenticeship programmes at Bernicia, where at any one time at least 5% of our workforce are apprentices, with 95% going on to secure full-time positions across the business.”
Judith Quinn, Ashington Campus Principal, said: "We are delighted to launch the Construction Housing Academy in partnership with Duke's Secondary School and Bernicia.
"Our employer-led academies are a fantastic example of education and industry working together to prepare young people for successful careers.”