News

Exciting things are happening at South West Durham Training everyday! Keep track of the latest happenings here.

Your SWDT Student Newsletter

This is where you’ll find updates, upcoming events, opportunities and inspiring stories from across South West Durham Training!

Aycliffe Fabrications : From First-Year Apprentice to Award Finalist

News Article • Added 1 Weeks Ago

What does the future of manufacturing look like? It looks like mentorship, opportunity and shared knowledge. Learn more about Joe, a first-year apprentice who joined through South West Durham Training.

Octric Semiconductors UK invests in the future with South West Durham Training apprenticeship partnership

News Article • Added 2 Weeks Ago

Octric Semiconductors UK and South West Durham Training launch a new apprenticeship partnership, giving local young people opportunities in advanced engineering.

Full Time Prospectus 2026/2027

News Article • Added 2 Weeks Ago

Check out our Full Time Guide for 2026/2027 at South West Durham Training!

Apprenticeships Building Strong Futures: Elliot Burnside’s Story

News Article • Added 5 Weeks Ago

Discover how Elliot Burnside is building a successful career through his Plumbing and Heating apprenticeship with Maddison Davey Mechanical Services Ltd.

SWDT Elevates Engineering Education Opportunities with NECIT

News Article • Added 7 Weeks Ago

SWDT has become an NECIT Approved Examination Centre, allowing it to deliver UKAS-accredited welder examinations in-house and strengthen high-quality, industry-ready training across the North East.

Designing his future: Engineering Student secures CAD Apprenticeship

News Article • Added 8 Weeks Ago

Alex, 19, from Crook, is a fantastic example of how determination, hands-on learning, and the right support can open the door to a successful engineering career.

Check out our new vocational video!

News Article • Added 8 Weeks Ago

Step inside South West Durham Training and see our vocational facilities in action.

South West Durham Training Apprentices Aidan and Ryan secure full-time GSK roles

News Article • Added 10 Weeks Ago

Two South-West Durham Training apprentices have secured permanent roles at GSK, showcasing how apprenticeships build industry-relevant skills for pharmaceutical manufacturing careers.

A Distinction That Lights the Way for Future Engineers

News Article • Added 11 Weeks Ago

Finlay Robson, 20, from Tow Law, is building a successful engineering career through an apprenticeship at Thorn Lighting, achieving a Distinction and progressing to higher-level technical study with South West Durham Training.

Success Story: Flynn’s Journey from Classroom to CAD Technician

News Article • Added 15 Weeks Ago

Flynn, aged 20 and from Bishop Auckland, first discovered his passion for Computer Aided Design (CAD) while studying at St. John’s School & Sixth Form College.

Apprentices deliver interactive STEM experience for 60 students

News Article • Added 16 Weeks Ago

Apprentices led a hands-on STEM day for 60+ students from South West Durham schools, delivering workshops in engineering, renewables, CAD and VR welding.

SWDT students forge powerful anti-knife crime message with inspiring new statue

News Article • Added 39 Weeks Ago

Seventeen proud teenagers from South West Durham Training (SWDT) have channelled their metal fabrication and welding skills into a powerful new artwork, creating their very own version of the iconic Knife Angel.

Business IQ Awards

News Article • Added 45 Weeks Ago

South West Durham Training celebrates top training and skills award at prestigious event

SWDT investment in cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) welding technology

News Article • Added 51 Weeks Ago

New AR welding tech fires up future talent at South West Durham Training

National Apprenticeship Week: County Durham manufacturer keeps engineering in the family

News Article • Added 58 Weeks Ago

As National Apprenticeship Week (10th – 16th February 2025) shines a light on skills development, one North East manufacturing firm is proving that engineering runs in the blood.

Energetic robot brings engineering to life for local schoolchildren

News Article • Added 90 Weeks Ago

Engineering was brought to life for more than 100 young children at the launch of a book which aims to boost STEM learning in early years education.

Tim on the right tracks after apprenticeship distinction

News Article • Added 92 Weeks Ago

Tim Berry is on the right tracks after achieving his welding apprenticeship with a distinction.

Dedication and hard work pay off for Haydn

News Article • Added 93 Weeks Ago

Dedication and hard work have paid off for Haydn Edwards, who has secured full-time employment as a metal fabricator after completing his apprenticeship.

T-Level students hoping for great track record after winning start

News Article • Added 94 Weeks Ago

Students on our Engineering and Manufacturing T-Level are hoping they can establish a great track record after a winning start with their first project.