Engineering and manufacturing employers are being invited to help shape future engineering skills and training at New College Durham by joining its next Engineering Employer Advisory Board.
Taking place on Friday 6 November 2026 at 2pm, the meeting gives employers an opportunity to share their experience of recruitment, skills gaps and changing workforce requirements directly with the College.
Businesses can attend in person at New College Durham or online via Microsoft Teams, making it easier for employers from across the engineering and manufacturing sector to get involved.
Bringing engineering education and industry closer together
The Engineering Employer Advisory Board brings education and industry together to discuss the skills, knowledge and practical experience employers need from their current and future workforce.
For New College Durham, hearing directly from businesses helps ensure its engineering provision reflects what is happening in industry.
Employers are encouraged to share insight into where skills gaps exist, how job roles are evolving and what young people need to be better prepared for employment.
That could include everything from technical expertise and digital capabilities to problem-solving, communication skills and general workplace readiness.
Have your say on future engineering skills
The meeting will give employers the opportunity to discuss workforce needs, share developments within the sector and explore practical ways in which businesses and the College can work together.
New College Durham is keen to hear from engineering and manufacturing businesses of all sizes and specialisms, ensuring a broad range of industry perspectives helps inform future curriculum development.
You don’t need to be an existing partner of the College to take part. Businesses interested in making an initial connection are equally welcome.
There are plenty of ways to get involved
Employer involvement doesn’t have to mean making a major commitment. There are a number of ways businesses can contribute their knowledge and industry experience, including:
- helping to inform engineering curriculum development
- offering industry placements
- setting practical or employer-led projects
- delivering guest talks
- hosting workplace visits
- sharing insight into emerging technologies
- highlighting changes in industry working practices.
These activities can help learners connect what they study with real-world engineering and manufacturing environments, while giving them a clearer understanding of the careers and opportunities available within the sector.
The College is also keen to hear from employers about recruitment challenges, staff industry updating, training and upskilling needs, helping identify areas where closer collaboration could provide practical value.
Start with a conversation
Partnerships don’t have to begin with a formal programme or long-term commitment. They can start with a conversation or a single activity and develop from there.
New College Durham recognises that every business has different priorities, resources and capacity, so the aim is to identify opportunities for engagement that work for individual employers.
Interested in having your say?
To register your interest in attending the Engineering Employer Advisory Board on Friday 6 November at 2pm, email coral.jennings@newdur.ac.uk, confirming whether you would prefer to attend in person at New College Durham or online via Microsoft Teams.
