East Durham College works closely alongside highly-renowned house builder Robertson Homes to offer exceptional opportunities in the local construction industry to our students.
First launched in 2024, the Developing Futures employability programme is a collaboration between East Durham College, Robertson Homes and several of their key subcontractors, who work with Robertson Homes on a wide range of building projects. These industry partners - Fusion Joinery, PJS Brickwork, DJR Smith, Paul Bertram Painting & Decorating and Lorne Stewart Engineering - help to give students a real insight into their trade in working environments outside of college as well as the possible opportunity of an apprenticeship.
Developing Futures is designed to give students studying a construction-related programme - bricklaying, carpentry & joinery, electrical, plumbing & heating engineering or painting and decorating - the opportunity to excel and get their start in the construction industry. The programme includes:
- See for yourself exactly how their trades work on-site - with detailed tours of Robertson Homes' development sites lead by the onsite construction teams.
- Careers seminar - interactive presentation from the directors of Robertson Homes about the industry. Students will get some top tips on how to successfully get into this exciting industry.
- Get further experience with hands-on masterclasses - with Robertson Homes subcontractor partners showing off high-end techniques and skills.
- Be rewarded with termly awards ceremonies and even the chance to become a student of the year - recognising the hard work of students.
- Mock interviews - this is your chance to shine and bag a highly prized work experience placement.
- Work experience - gain valuable work experience onsite. Develop your skills and knowledge and impress potential employers.
- Get your big steps into the industry - with apprenticeship opportunities with Robertson Homes partners.
Our brilliant employer partners
Robertson Homes Site Visit - Carpentry & Joinery
Developing Futures Term 1 - Site Visits
During their first term, all students will get the opportunity to visit a real Robertson Homes building site.
These visits are split into their respective trade areas, with relevant staff from each partner company offering support, answering questions and explaining how their trade works on-site to produce high-quality homes.
These site visits include:
- A full site induction - an essential part of working on-site, ensuring students fully understand Robertson Homes' commitment to the safety of those working on their site.
- Full Site Tour - with the site manager and senior subcontractor staff, initially looking at the compound setup, then students complete a tour of the building site, allowing them to see the full stages of house building from laying the foundations all the way to finished product.
- Q & A - students are encouraged to ask questions as they tour the site and staff members from their relevant trades being present means expert help is available at all times.
These site visits also form the first impressions students can make on Robertson Homes and the subcontractors, as the Developing Futures programme is designed to be a constant job interview where exceptional students may be offered apprenticeship opportunities at the end of the year.
A Careers Seminar
You will join us for an interactive presentation from the directors of Robertson Homes about the industry. Students will get some top tips on how to successfully get into this exciting industry.
Developing Futures - End of Term Awards
At the end of each term, Robertson Homes and lecturers at the college celebrate the hard work of students by hosting an award prizegiving ceremony.
This also includes the opportunity for careers advice talks, where Robertson Homes team members talk about interview techniques, the attitude needed on-site and advice on how to transition from college into the world of work.
There's also the chance to impress and be rewarded for being the Student of the Year in each trade discipline at the end of year celebration.
Developing Futures Term 2 - Masterclasses & Demos
During Term 2, our specialist trade subcontractor partners will visit the College to provide masterclasses and provide demos in each of the trade disciplines to all our students. Complex techniques such as herringbone brickwork, hip roofing and high-end wallpapering will be on show.
Mock Interviews
Selected Level 2 and exception Level 1 students with also take part in mock interviews with Robertson Homes and/or the relevant programme partner subcontractor staff.
Developing Futures Term 3 - Work Experience
During Term 3, our specialist trade partners will provide valuable work experience opportunities for selected students on various sites and developments they are working on.
Individual Feedback & Apprenticeship Opportunities
Selected students, from all trade disciplines, will receive individual feedback sessions and contractors will consider them for current apprenticeship opportunities they have. Outstanding students, who catch the eye, may also be offered apprenticeship opportunities sooner.
Careers