New College Durham supports PragmatIC Semiconductor’s growth plans

New College Durham (NCD), a leading further and higher education college in the UK, is delighted to announce that it will be working with PragmatIC Semiconductor to develop new and innovative courses that will enable people of all ages and backgrounds to develop skills appropriate for careers in exciting high-tech companies.

PragmatIC Semiconductor is a world leader in ultra-low-cost flexible electronics with manufacturing operations in NETPark, Sedgefield, County Durham.  PragmatIC has ambitious plans for growth, which require a significant expansion of their workforce in the coming years. In order to create a pipeline of innovative and entrepreneurial people PragmatIC will work with NCD to identify the skills gaps and education requirements for people at all stages of their careers and those that wish to retrain to enter this growing job market.

Ken Williamson, Chief Operating Officer at PragmatIC said “We are really excited by this partnership with New College Durham. Working with the college we can ensure we create excellent employment opportunities for people in the region, whilst future-proofing our ambitious growth plans”.

NCD has a proven track record of designing an employer-led engineering curriculum to train and educate young people as they embark on their career, as well offering adults the opportunity to upskill or reskill to progress in their career.

Andy Broadbent, Principal and Chief Executive at New College Durham said “This is a fantastic opportunity for our current and future students. Employer led training and education gives people the skills they need for a head-start or a boost in their career, and working with PragmatIC will add an extra dimension with a clear employment opportunity as a result of their training. We look forward to welcoming people to our on campus open events in the New Year to see what we can offer”.

Sarah Slaven, Managing Director of Business Durham said “We welcome the news of this partnership as an excellent example of education and business working together. The collaboration supports the development of necessary technical education and the skills agenda that will hugely benefit our region.”