Trainee Services

Finchale Training College has a national reputation for excellence in our ability to meet the employment needs of our trainees.  All services of the College concentrate on the needs of individuals and our philosophy is founded on the belief that all the complex barriers to work that unemployed disabled adults experience have to be addressed if they are to be successful in achieving sustained employment.  trainee Services provide comprehensive assistance for each trainee as part of this holistic approach.

Induction
New trainees start College every two weeks. The first week for all is taken up with Induction.

The aims of induction are:

• To introduce the College and its services to you.
• Introduce you to your training areas.
• Identify individual skills and personal needs.
• Settle you into College life as soon as possible.

At the end of the Induction period we will agree with you an Individual Learning Plan that will identify the range of support that we will provide for you.
In addition to and in support of vocational training you can choose from a range of additional support services.

Advocacy Support and Counselling
The Advocacy Support and Counselling Service (ASC) is available to all trainees at Finchale Training College and is part of our ongoing commitment to your health, emotional well-being, personal support, welfare rights and benefits. This service is discrete and confidential. Our Counsellors are available to offer information and support with mental health, personal, family or any other issues and difficulties that you have. Many of our trainees will need to be away from home which can make minor problems seem much bigger than they are. Our team of trained counsellors can help shoulder the burden and offer practical information and active support to overcome them. Advocacy support is available to assist and represent you in legal areas such as disability rights, housing and benefits and this support is provided by the Citizens Advice Bureau whose advisers work with the college. The college also has a working partnership with the North East Council of Addictions (NECA) whose advisers work with the trainees in college. Back to Top

Health Centre
We have two experienced nurses on duty in the health centre each day, a Registered General Nurse and a Registered Mental Health Nurse. Qualified First Aiders are always on site and this overall medical cover is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We are committed to your health, emotional well-being and physical fitness and can provide other services, such as physical or mental health support, if you require. The College is dedicated to the success of the trainees and their physical and mental health is vital to ensure this happens. Our facilities are extensive enough to deal with most emergencies, and we are within 3 miles of Durham's premier hospital should the need arise.
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Residential Accommodation
We have a range of residential accommodation to suit all needs:

• " Purpose built independent living bungalows which are fully wheelchair accessible and have en-suite wheelchair accessible showers
• " Comfortable single bedroom accommodation (smoking and non smoking rooms are available, some with en-suite facilities).
• Welcoming lounges.
• Cosy on-site bar with darts, bar games, board games and satellite sports.
• Play Station and computer games centre.
• Resources Learning Centre – for individual study and internet research.
• Two full size snooker tables and a pool table.
• Satellite television with full Sky package. A DVD and video is also available for pre-recorded entertainment.
• All rooms have power and aerial points should you wish to bring your own electrical equipment
• Patio games such as giant chess, draughts, Connect4 and Jenga.
• Sports field for 5-a-side football, rounders or other outdoor games.
• Fully equipped on-site gym. Qualified trainers and training programmes are available.
• The Camping & Walking Club often goes on visits with the Camera Club.
• The Angling Club has permits for local beaches, sea fishing is also popular.

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Leisure Time

We have a team of Residential Officers and, whatever your interests or hobbies, you'll find something to suit you at Finchale. In the evenings you can choose from a wide range of activities supervised by qualified staff. So all you need is your enthusiasm! If you are feeling energetic, why not visit the nearby Leisure Centre which offers concessions to Finchale trainees. Alternatively, as mentioned, we have our own onsite fitness facility. If you want to, you can do extra study in the trainee Resource Centre. We always welcome suggestions for new leisure pursuits, and will do our best to put your ideas into practice. So, from the day you join us, you're only limited by your imagination.


Some recent programmes include:-
Deep sea fishing Walking & camping Latest feature films Film evenings Quiz nights Paintball Karate	Cycling Golf Ice skating Ten pin bowling Swimming Photography French Jive

Programmes vary to mirror the interests of residential trainees and so change as trainees arrive and leave. Costs are kept to a minimum and College transport is used wherever possibleBack to Top