MP praises latest investment in SWDT visit

Sedgefield MP Paul Howell praised the latest investment in high tech equipment during a visit to SWDT today.

Pictured (l-r) with the new GUNT training rig are Bishop Auckland College Group CEO Shaun Hope, Paul Howell MP and SWDT General Manager Jonathan Hall

Sedgefield MP Paul Howell praised the latest investment in high tech equipment during a visit to SWDT today.

In his latest visit to the centre, Mr Howell was given a tour of the engineering and plumbing workshops and spoke to apprentices, full-time students and staff.

The MP said: “Today’s visit reinforced just how important further education and skills training are to the regional economy. It's great to see the recent investment in new equipment, with the new Industrial Process Control training rig, coordinate measuring machine and CNC plasma cutter.

“I’m delighted to have also met the latest group of young engineers benefiting from the superb facilities and highly experienced staff here at SWDT.”

The Bishop Auckland College Group also hosted former college lecturer Sam Rushworth, who hopes to be Bishop Auckland’s next MP, when he visited the Woodhouse Lane campus this morning.

The Labour Party Parliamentary Candidate for Bishop Auckland, who lives in the town and works at Durham University in research and innovation, met Bishop Auckland Group CEO Shaun Hope and other members of staff who were primed with testing questions.

Having worked as a part-time college lecturer while completing his PhD, Sam has useful sector experience and said he understands the challenges faced by colleges up and down the country.

He added: “As a former further education college lecturer I know how vital colleges are to the communities and regional economies they serve and I am very impressed with what I have seen and heard here today.

“I’m more than happy to add my support to the AoC’s campaign calling on the next government to focus on ensuring colleges play an even bigger role in an inclusive, tolerant, welcoming, strong society and a growing and productive economy.”

Other politicians visiting the college this week to help us celebrate #collegesweek2024 include Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen and West Auckland county councillor Rob Yorke.

#CollegesWeek2024 #LoveOurColleges