The Technical Academy campus site opened to students in September 2010, with the aim of recreating a professional, construction-based working environment where learners could receive the latest training in key trade areas local industry needs.
The initial curriculum offer included Construction Skills, Electrical Installation, Gas Installation, Kitchen & Bathroom Fitting, Plastering, Roofing and Tiling.
Official Opening - 2011
The Technical Academy was officially opened on Thursday 3rd February 2011, by then Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, The Rt. Hon. John Denham MP (Labour).
Relaunch Event - 2014
As The Technical Academy grew and developed in-line with local business needs the focus of the curriculum became more of a joint engineering and technical construction related offering. To highlight this adaptation The Technical Academy held a relaunch event on 3rd December 2014 with guest speakers David Cann, General Manager of Mecaplast and the late Geoff Ford MBE, Chairman of Ford Aerospace.
Fabulous 5 - 2015
Staff and students marked the occasion of The Technical Academy's 5th birthday in 2015 with a stunning cake made by Samantha Hammond from the College's finance department.
North East Institute of Technology - 2019
In 2019, The Technical Academy become an important part of the newly launched North East Institute of Technology. The development saw over half a million pounds of new investment in The Technical Academy, bring in new state-of-the-art resources, such as two electric car training rigs.
Ofsted Success - 2021
East Durham College was delighted to announce it had once again been Graded as GOOD by Ofsted, with an outstanding rating for behaviour and attitudes.
Curriculum Offer - 2022
By 2022, The Technical Academy offer had developed to include: Electrical Installation, Engineering & Manufacturing, Fabrication & Welding, Motor Vehicle Maintenance, Plumbing & Heating Engineering and Renewable Energy - including T levels.