30 Mar 2026
Robertson College Partnership up for Top Education Award
We are thrilled that our ‘Developing Futures’ collaboration with East Durham College has been shortlisted for a major education award.
‘Developing Futures’ is a finalist in the Business Engagement Award – HE/FE Sector category of the Educate North Awards (ENAs) 2026.
The awards highlight excellence, world-class achievements and improvement across the University, HE, FE and Sixth Form sectors in the North of England.
‘Developing Futures’ is a joint project between Robertson Homes and East Durham College, designed to generate apprenticeship roles in construction for young people in the North East of England.
Students took part in masterclasses delivered by Robertson Homes’ contractor partners and given real-world work experience on our North East region’s new homes developments.
The first year of the partnership was a huge success and saw no fewer than seven new apprentice roles created within Robertson’s supply chain alone.
Wes English, land director at Robertson Homes North East England, said: “There are fantastic career opportunities for young people in the housebuilding sector and the mix of classroom and on-site learning as part of ‘Developing Futures’ gave course participants a real head start to begin their apprenticeships.
“To be shortlisted in these prestigious awards is also testament to the quality of education in East Durham College’s construction faculty, and the dedication and professionalism of all the trades companies, who have given their time and expertise to supporting the students.
“And finally, a huge well done to the first students to have progressed through the course, demonstrating their enthusiasm, willingness to learn and dedication to succeed. It has been a privilege to be part of something which has had such a positive effect on people’s lives.”
Scott Bullock, principal and CEO of East Durham College, said: “Nothing can beat gaining hands-on experience in any profession and ‘Developing Futures’ gave that, and so much more, to the first cohort of students on the course.
“All of the construction supply chain companies involved recognised how important experience is and I am pleased that our students impressed with their attitude and desire to learn and progress.”
Winners of the ENAs will be announced at a ceremony at The Point at Lancashire Cricket Ground on Thursday 7 May, hosted by Lucy Meacock, the long-serving presenter of ITV’s Granada Reports.
