Two of Bishop Auckland’s leading charities are investing in the town’s future after recruiting a new cohort of apprentices to strengthen their organisations while creating valuable career opportunities for local people.
Working in partnership with Bishop Auckland College, The Auckland Project and Angel Trust have both recruited a business administration apprentice, who will provide administrative support across respective organisations. The role will see the apprentices gain hands-on experience in customer service and administration while supporting the day-to-day delivery of services that benefit residents across Bishop Auckland.
The Auckland Project has also appointed two finance apprentices, who are due to join the charity later this summer and will study accounting qualifications at New College Durham while developing practical skills within the organisation’s finance team.
The appointments reflect both organisations’ long-term commitment to developing local talent, creating sustainable employment opportunities and investing in the future workforce of County Durham. The Auckland Project currently employs more than 200 staff, with 80% coming from a 10-mile radius.
The Auckland Project continues to champion apprenticeships across the organisation, with existing members of staff currently studying qualifications ranging from Level 2 Property Maintenance through to Level 7 Accountancy. Apprentices are also undertaking qualifications in Business Administration and Hospitality Supervision, helping colleagues build skills and progress their careers while supporting the charity’s continued growth.
The charity has also recently celebrated the success of a trainee management accountant who pursued his apprenticeship with The Auckland Project before embarking on a new opportunity in Australia – demonstrating how apprenticeships can open doors to rewarding careers both locally and internationally.
Bishop Auckland College has played an important role in supporting employers across County Durham to recruit and develop apprentices, helping businesses and charities access local talent while enabling learners to gain nationally recognised qualifications alongside valuable workplace experience.
Jane Ruffer, Chief Executive of The Auckland Project, said: “We believe that investing in people is one of the most powerful ways we can strengthen our community. Apprenticeships give local people the opportunity to develop skills, build confidence and establish rewarding careers while making a real difference to the lives of others. We’re delighted to be working alongside Angel Trust, Bishop Auckland College and New College Durham to create these opportunities and support the next generation of talent in Bishop Auckland.”
Clair McGregor, Chief Executive of Angel Trust, said: “Creating opportunities for local people sits at the heart of everything we do. Apprenticeships are an important part of that commitment, enabling people to develop valuable skills while contributing to organisations that are working to transform Bishop Auckland. We are proud to work alongside The Auckland Project to invest in local talent and help build a stronger future for our town.”
Shaun Hope, Chief Executive and Principal at Bishop Auckland College Group, said: “Being at the very heart of our community is fundamental to everything we do at Bishop Auckland College.
“Apprenticeships are one of the most powerful tools we have to change lives, providing local people with the skills, confidence and hands-on experience they need to build meaningful careers.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with fantastic local charities like The Auckland Project and Angel Trust. Together, we aren’t just strengthening the delivery of their essential services, we are investing directly in the future of Bishop Auckland by developing and retaining homegrown talent.”
The Auckland Project and Angel Trust work together on several initiatives throughout the year to support local people and strengthen the community. One such partnership sees surplus produce from Auckland Palace’s Walled Garden donated to Angel Trust to help support families across County Durham.
Together, the organisations are helping to create a Bishop Auckland that residents can be proud of by providing support, experiences, employment opportunities and pathways into long-term careers.
ENDS
For more information, please contact Harry Sinclair on harry.sinclair@aucklandproject.org or call 07784517618.
Notes to Editors
About The Auckland Project
The Auckland Project is a regeneration charity with a difference. The historic town of Bishop Auckland has a rich and surprising history spanning over 2,000 years, and The Auckland Project believes that the culture and heritage of Bishop Auckland has the power to bring about transformative change for the people who visit, work, and live there.
The Auckland Project is creating a visitor destination in Bishop Auckland, incorporating Auckland Palace (once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham), Walled Garden, Deer Park, the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery, Auckland Tower visitor centre, Weardale Railway and the Faith Museum. At the heart of these sites is St Peter’s Chapel, in Auckland Palace: the home of the Prince Bishops, and the historic seat of faith and power in the North of England. The themes of faith and power are repeated across The Auckland Project’s attractions, inviting conversations about belonging, faith, loss, sacrifice, community, love and creativity.
Alongside the visitor destination, The Auckland Project is also working directly with the local community to deliver a wide range of formal and informal learning for adults and young people, create jobs and apprenticeships and, both directly and indirectly, support sustainable living.
For more information about The Auckland Project, please visit www.aucklandproject.org or search Auckland Project on Facebook, Instagram and /or Twitter.
About Angel Trust
The Angel Trust Charity was founded in 2018, by now CEO, Clair McGregor, and supports people in need across County Durham with various issues, ranging from crisis counselling to donations of toys and other goods. The charity employs some 25 individuals and is a commissioned service for Durham County Council via its Safe Night Hub. The only facility of its kind in the region, it offers emergency accommodation to those made homeless following a serious life event, or that have fled domestic violence. The charity is based in Bishop Auckland, and supports its residents through large scale campaigns, including a Toy Appeal, which in 2025 saw more than 15,000 toys donated to children in need locally.
Enquiries – contact Marketing Manager, Elliot Pole via email / marketing@angeltrust.co.uk
About Bishop Auckland College Group
The Bishop Auckland College Group is a leading provider of vocational and academic education and training across the North-East of England. The Group includes Bishop Auckland College and South West Durham Training (SWDT), one of the region’s premier engineering training providers. The Group’s mission is to transform lives through high-quality learning, skills development, and collaborative partnerships with employers. The College offers a wide range of full-time and part-time courses, apprenticeships, higher education qualifications and professional development courses to meet the needs of individuals and industry.
