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Inspiring the next generation of scientists with the only immersive clean lab learning experience in the region at East Durham College

Recruiting and training new talent, as well as upskilling existing employees can be time-consuming and expensive for science manufacturing employers. East Durham College (EDC) has a groundbreaking solution that could change the game for manufacturing businesses across the region.

As a result of the half-million-pound investment in an industry-standard cleanroom laboratory at their Peterlee Campus, science manufacturing businesses across the North East can access a team of experts and a revolutionary environment to train the future workforce of science manufacturing talent.

New Talent

Aisha Munro, MSc, AMRSB, is the Trainer, Coach, and Lecturer of the Science Manufacturing Apprenticeship programmes at East Durham College, bringing a wealth of education and industry knowledge to the science manufacturing team.

With a Masters in Molecular Biology, a specialism in pharmaceuticals, and an impressive industry background – including time spent at GSK and Fujifilm – Aisha is an innovator, committed to helping develop the best new talent in the region.

Aisha said: “Our science manufacturing students gain specialist, hands-on skills in a realistic lab environment; this isn’t standard practice across all manufacturing education. It’s common to find graduates going into employment like a rabbit in the headlights, due to their lack of on-the-job experience.

“Our learners are exposed to clean labs and practical industry experience, equipping them with the fundamental skills required, from day one.

“At EDC, we want to inspire the next generation of scientists. We plan to work closely with employers to identify the training gaps in science manufacturing, bringing together business and education to innovate the industry, and cultivate new talent.”

Business Benefits

As the science manufacturing sector continues to grow in the North East, East Durham College is on a mission to take the pressure off employers by connecting them with the best science manufacturing talent and training in the North East.

Jackie Lanagan, Assistant Principal at EDC, said: “We have aligned our offer to meet the needs of our employers to ensure they are fully supported and offered a flexible approach to delivery, ensuring that training is accessible at a time and place that suits the needs of the business.”

By taking on an EDC science manufacturing apprentice, businesses benefit by gaining employees they can mould to have the bespoke skills and knowledge their organisation needs, as well as saving them time, money, and resources in recruiting and training their own staff.

Businesses can also request tailored industry-focused bootcamps for their existing employees at the Peterlee campus.

Sara Jolly, Business Development Manager at EDC, said: “It can be tough for employees to learn new skills in their current workplace. This facility allows them to step away from that, into an accessible, state-of-the-art space where they can adapt their skills in an immersive learning environment.”

An ideal opportunity for manufacturing workforces struggling with the transition from older processes to clean room environments, or businesses who require further training to keep up with industry changes – East Durham College’s exclusive facilities are revolutionary for the science manufacturing industry.

From manufacturing processes, laboratory skills, quality management and regulations, to collaborative working, East Durham College is the only college in the region equipped to deliver an immersive science manufacturing learning experience.

Want to know more?

To start the conversation and find out how East Durham College can benefit your business, email business@eastdurham.ac.uk, call 0191 518 5508 or visit their website

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by East Durham College .