Thank you for your interest in Finchale Training College.

Our purpose is to help disabled people achieve and retain employment of more than 16 hrs per week, and all programmes are focused on and justified by that aim.

We are located on a pleasant and quiet 13.5 acre site 6 miles from the centre of Durham City, and have been working with disabled adults since 1943, when the College was established as a rehabilitation centre for disabled ex-servicemen. Our trainees come from all parts of England, Scotland and Wales because local provision does not meet their particular needs.

The age of our trainees starts at 18 with some in their 60's, the average age being 37. Similarly trainees will have had varied life experiences. Some will have worked as managers, construction workers, civil servants, prison officers or members of the Armed Forces whilst others will not have worked previously. Some trainees will not have any formal qualifications whilst others will have achieved university degrees. Everyone is different and the College recognises and builds on those differences. What all trainees have in common is a need to overcome the barriers that have prevented them from finding work and the desire to do so.

We have, on average, 120 trainees on programmes at any one time, although this will change throughout the year as trainees start and leave every two weeks. About 60% of trainees are resident in the College out of choice, but residential attendance is not a requirement.

What is different about Finchale is our approach to the abilities of our trainees. Rather than addressing one barrier to employment at a time, we design customised Individual Employment Plans that will ensure that all the barriers to employment experienced by a trainee are addressed. Literacy, Numeracy and IT skills are a fundamental part of vocational training, as are counselling health, dyslexia and communication support. All programmes are holistic and multi-disciplinary.