Apprenticeships at South West Durham Training
Earn while you learn and build your career
An apprenticeship at South West Durham Training gives you the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience while working towards a recognised qualification. You’ll combine practical, hands-on training at our specialist training centre with real workplace experience, developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours employers are looking for.
As an apprentice, you’ll work alongside experienced professionals, complete regular assessments and develop practical skills that you can put into use in the workplace. You’ll also receive support from our experienced trainers and assessors throughout your apprenticeship.
Find out more about our apprenticeships below or get in touch with our team to discuss your options on apprenticeships@bacoll.ac.uk.
Explore our apprenticeship standards below to find the route that could be right for you.
Level 2
- Lean Manufacturing Operative
Level 3
- Engineering Design Technician
- Engineering Fitter
- Engineering Technician
- Engineering Manufacturing Support Technician
- Machining Technician
- Engineering Maintenance Technician – Single Discipline
- Engineering Maintenance Technician – Dual Discipline
- Mechatronics Maintenance Technician
- Metal Fabricator
- Plate Welder
- Science Industry Maintenance Technician
- Science Manufacturing Technician
- Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician
Level 4
- Automation & Controls Engineering Technician
- Engineering Manufacturing Technician
- Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician
- Process Leader
T Levels at South West Durham Training
T Levels are two-year, career-focused qualifications designed with employers to give you the technical knowledge and practical skills needed for your chosen industry. They are equivalent to three A Levels and can help you progress into employment, a higher apprenticeship or university.
At South West Durham Training, you’ll spend around 80% of your time in college developing specialist knowledge and practical skills, with 20% on an industry placement.
Alongside your technical studies and placement, you’ll have opportunities to take part in trips and activities that broaden your experience and give you a closer look at the industries you could go on to work in.
Our T Levels
Engineering
Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing – Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
Plumbing
Building Services Engineering for Construction – Plumbing & Heating Engineering
Ready to take the next step?
Find out more about our T Levels and discover how South West Durham Training can help you prepare for your future career, contact us at swdtreception@swdt.co.uk.
South West Durham Full Time Guide 2026/2027
Our History
1967 – SWDT opens its doors
South West Durham Training was established to meet the growing need for skilled engineering and manufacturing workers in the Newton Aycliffe and Darlington area. The centre was officially opened on 15 December 1967 by Second World War RAF fighter pilot Sir Douglas Bader.
1970s – Growing with industry
As demand for skilled workers increased, SWDT expanded its facilities and was training more than 200 apprentices each year by the late 1970s.
1990s–2010s – Investing in the future
Further extensions added specialist facilities for electrical and mechanical maintenance, materials handling and advanced manufacturing. In 2011, a £3.6 million high-tech extension was opened to support the changing needs of modern industry.
2014 – Recognised for excellence
SWDT achieved an Ofsted Outstanding grade across all four areas of inspection in 2014, following its earlier recognition as a Centre of Vocational Excellence. The same year, SWDT entered into a strategic partnership with Bishop Auckland College.
Today – Building the next generation
Today, SWDT continues to work with major employers across the North East, delivering apprenticeships, vocational courses, higher technical education and commercial training. More than 10,000 young engineers have passed through SWDT over its history, with alumni going on to successful careers around the world.
Proud to be part of the North East Institute of Technology
We are proud to be part of the North East Institute of Technology (NEIoT), a partnership bringing together further education colleges, universities and employers to develop the higher-level technical skills the North East needs.
The NEIoT focuses on sectors including engineering, advanced manufacturing, digital, construction and other areas where there is a strong demand for highly skilled people.
Through our connection with the NEIoT, our learners can benefit from opportunities that extend beyond traditional college study. The partnership brings together education and industry, helping to ensure that technical education remains closely aligned with the skills employers are looking for.
