Derwentside College's partnerships with employers has been hailed as outstanding in an Ofsted report.

The college's recent Ofsted inspection has found it provides "a great place to learn, achieve and succeed".

The report recognises that the college’s leadership team have made significant strategic changes to respond to national and regional priorities, including developing "outstanding partnerships with employers".

The report also highlighted that student success rates in many subject areas are in the top 10 per cent in the country.

Students were also found to develop "excellent personal and social skills that enhance their employability, with many moving-on to employment".

One example of the college’s outstanding partnerships is between the college and McVickers - a well-established North-East electrical installation company, which has just hired its 10th apprentice from the college.

McVickers managing director Aidan Storey - having already been impressed with his four previous apprentices which he hired in June 2011 - decided to go one step further and recruit another six apprentices this spring.

He said: "We have enjoyed a long-standing working relationship with Derwentside College for many years.

"The college provides an excellent service in working with us to develop a highly-skilled workforce."

Derwentside College principal and chief executive Albert Croney said: "I am delighted with this successful and rewarding outcome of our Ofsted inspection, which proves, beyond doubt, that Derwentside College is a good place to learn, achieve and succeed.

"This excellent report is official recognition of the outstanding work of the staff and students, as well as employers, including McVickers, who support the college."

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