South West Durham Training

About South West Durham Training

South West Durham Training Limited (SWDT) was founded in 1967 to provide training for local manufacturing and engineering companies predominantly around the Newton Aycliffe and Darlington areas.

For over 55 years SWDT has been a forward thinking, progressive company becoming a leading provider of top quality training in the North East, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Teesside and beyond.

SWDT is based in large, modern, purpose built premises in the Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe and has a comprehensive, fully equipped training centre to provide first class industry led training.

Whether you are an employer or an employee SWDT can provide you with the right skills and knowledge to move you to the next level of excellence.

What's on offer

Many of our students begin their studies at Level 2, working towards an NVQ qualification that allows them to continue on to Level 3 study either full-time or through an apprenticeship.

At Level 2, students choose from one of two pathways:

• Electrical and Mechanical
• Fabrication and Welding

On completion of a Level 2 qualification, students can progress on to a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, choosing from a range of pathways which could include:

• Manufacturing Engineering Fabrication
• Welding Engineering
• Design & Draughting
• Engineering Maintenance
• Technical Support (including CAD & Quality)

Apprenticeships are an excellent way to learn and earn at the same time. It allows students to combine practical training with theory and develop their craft skills and confidence by gaining on-the-job experience.

New from September 2023, SWDT are now offering a T Level qualification in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing. This is a two-year qualification that allows our students to specialise in Mechatronics whilst also having a multi-disciplinary focus in subjects such as robotics, programmable logic control, hydraulics and pneumatics, as well as the principles of both mechanical and electrical engineering. Students will also undertake a high quality, structured and outcomes-focused industry placement; this is an integral part of the new T Level programme.