By David Gartland, Principal and CEO, Darlington College
In a rapidly changing world of work, Further Education (FE) has never played a more vital role. As industries evolve, new technologies emerge, and employers seek adaptable talent, FE colleges stand at the heart of helping people to thrive. This could be young people preparing for their next steps post GCSE, apprentices building real‑world experience or adults seeking to retrain for a fresh start.
One of the most exciting developments for Darlington College is the opening of our new Adult Skills Centre, a space designed specifically to empower learners aged 19+ to gain the qualifications, confidence, and practical skills they need to progress. This centre, due to be open in Summer 2026 is our commitment to supporting local people at every stage of their journey, from those returning to education after a long break to individuals looking to pivot and develop skills to gain employment in growth industries.
Flexible courses, dedicated tutors, and a welcoming environment allow adults to fit learning around work, caring responsibilities, or simply the constraints of everyday life. It’s never too late to learn and never too soon to seize a new opportunity.
This also feels particularly timely as we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week and Love our Colleges Week. Both are a reminder of the huge value training and apprenticeships bring. This is not only true to individuals, but to employers and the wider economy. Apprenticeships offer a unique blend of practical experience and vocational learning, making them one of the most effective pathways into skilled careers.
For young people aged 16+ deciding their next step, apprenticeships provide the chance to earn while they learn, build impressive CVs, and access industries that once required traditional academic routes. For adults, apprenticeships can open the door to entirely new sectors, often funded and supported in ways that make retraining genuinely achievable.
At a time when employers are crying out for skilled workers, apprenticeships and bespoke training continue to bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity.
While our primary focus is strengthening opportunities for adults and post 16 learners, it’s worth acknowledging that FE also plays a quieter, but essential role for a number of 14–16‑year‑olds who do not always thrive in mainstream school settings. By offering alternative pathways, hands‑on learning, and supportive environments, FE can help these young people re‑engage and rediscover their potential. This work may be less visible, but it can be life‑changing. In order to further support this discreet group of learners in Darlington, the college will be opening a dedicated Pre-16 skills Centre on our current campus, that will enable more of those learners to flourish with the intention they will continue their journey with us in to post GCSE education and beyond.
Further Education is not just about qualifications, it really is about transforming lives and at Darlington College we have a wealth of Alumni who are testament to this. Our teaching boosts employability, fuels local economies, nurtures confidence, and creates opportunities for people who in some cases might otherwise be left behind.
Education must meet the needs and be accessible to every learner. Colleges are designed to do exactly that. Through our new Adult Skills Centre, our commitment to apprenticeships and diverse pathways for our learners, we are shaping a more inclusive and productive future for our community.