New partnership announced with Newcastle City Learning, Northumbria University and Sodexo

We are delighted to have joined forces with Newcastle City Learning, Northumbria University and Sodexo to form a collaborative partnership to give young people with learning disabilities or autism vital work-based learning opportunities in the North East.

Through the partnership – the first of its kind in the North East – Northumbria will provide supported work placements across different business areas of the University as well as Sodexo-managed student accommodation, as part of the student’s full-time study programme, led by Newcastle City Learning.

Professor Andy Long, CEO of Northumbria University, said:

”Northumbria has a long history of successful partnership working in our region to boost social mobility. DFN Project Search provides Northumbria with a unique opportunity to make a difference in employability outcomes for young people in the North East who typically would not be reached through the higher education offer. I’m delighted that we are able to offer this opportunity, and I look forward to welcoming the students on campus and seeing them flourish.”

Councillor Lesley Storey, Cabinet Member for a Growing City at Newcastle City Council, said:

”It’s fantastic that we have been able to form this partnership to give more young people the opportunity to gain valuable work-based learning with the aim of securing paid employment. The project demonstrates our commitment to supporting all of the city’s young people ensuring they have access to the support they need to fulfil their potential.”