Northumberland College alumni lead Ashington Campus development

Four former Northumberland College students have come full circle to play a key role in building the new Ashington Campus.

The quartet, who are all part of Bowmer + Kirkland’s (B+K) construction team, studied at the current campus on College Road in the town between the 1980s and early 1990s. Now, they are using their skills and experience to help create a state-of-the art learning environment for future generations.

Among them is Senior Site Manager Jerry Saint, who studied a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship before completing an Advanced Craft Certificate in 1988, says working on the new campus has particular significance for him.

He said: “The college enabled me to learn my joinery skills within a workshop environment with one-to-one tuition and hone my skills on site with my new employer.

“This project above all others means much more to me because it is where I started all those years ago and I owe so much to the College for giving me the grounding for success. The new campus will also give so many career options for the next generation no matter what background students come from.

“The new campus will not only benefit Ashington but also the wider Northumberland area with the most up to date technology, equipment and vast range of courses available within a great setting for study.”

Fellow Senior Site Manager Neil Rutherford, who completed his NVQ in Carpentry and Joinery in 1992 after previously achieving City & Guilds qualifications, believes college learning and his apprenticeship was the perfect combination to prepare him for a career in construction.

Reflecting on his time at Ashington Campus, he said: “I feel the skills learned at college gave me a good base knowledge of the trade while also serving my apprenticeship as bench-hand joiner.

“I’ve found it both interesting and rewarding to be involved in the development of the new campus and visiting the existing College has brought back memories of my time there.

“The new campus will not only continue the good name of the College within the town, but the relocation closer to the recently opened Northumberland Line will hopefully add to its appeal to potential new students.”

Senior Engineer Steve Hamilton studied Building Studies before leaving in 1991 and credits Northumberland College for providing a solid grounding for a career which has seen him work on major civil engineering and construction projects.

He said: “The course provided me with the technical knowledge and practical understanding that formed the foundation of my career and helped set me on a path I’ve enjoyed ever since. It gave me the confidence to progress through the industry.”

Steve describes coming back and working on the new campus has been a proud moment and that creating a modern learning environment that will inspire and support people in the town for years to come is incredibly rewarding.

He added: “It’s a real privilege and something I never imagined when I was a student here. Coming back to help build the new campus feels like my career has come full circle.

“The new campus will be a fantastic asset for Ashington. It represents investment in the town’s future, creating opportunities for local people to develop skills, gain qualifications and build successful careers.

“I hope it gives young people the same opportunities that I had and plays an important role in supporting the continued regeneration and growth of the town.”

Site Manager David Twizell, who is originally from Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, is also proud to be playing a part in delivering the new campus for the community where he grew up.

He said: “I feel very privileged to be part of delivering the new campus. I think it’s vital for the younger generation, particularly with its focus on construction, motor vehicle and other technical trades that will help address the significant skills shortages across the industry.

“Given Ashington’s strong industrial heritage and work ethic, this campus will help provide the skills, prosperity and infrastructure needed for the future.”

David believes the new campus will create life-changing opportunities for young people across Northumberland.

“Ashington will benefit greatly from a college that provides learning and diversity across a range of trades, while highlighting the excellent career and financial opportunities available to young people. I also hope local businesses continue to support the college by sponsoring and recruiting apprentices, helping to develop both the town and the next generation of skilled workers.”

The trailblazing Ashington Campus, due to open in October 2026, will provide state-of-the-art learning environments, specialist facilities and inclusive spaces designed to meet the needs of learners, employers and the wider community.

Part of a new generation of Government-led educational buildings being developed by the Department for Education, the campus will offer study routes and qualifications for 16-19-year-olds and adults, supporting future skills, drive regeneration and create new opportunities across Northumberland.