Gateshead College in Tyne and Wear has added subject-specific ‘Say Hello to’ taster evenings this week to give more people a chance to learn about vocational training and courses for 2026. The events are designed to offer hands-on experiences and practical information for prospective students and adult learners.
On 27 January 2026 the college is running sessions for Catering, Business and Health & Social Care at its Baltic Campus on Quarryfield Road; times vary by subject (most start in the late afternoon). On 28 January 2026 the focus moves to construction trades — including bricklaying and joinery — at the Skills Academy for Construction in Team Valley.
Visitors can take part in short practical activities — for example, working in industry-standard kitchens or trying construction tools — to help decide whether a course is right for them. The college asks prospective attendees to pre-register on its events page so workshop places can be managed.
David Alexander, Principal and Chief Executive of Gateshead College, says the sessions are intended to give students a realistic feel for work in their chosen sector before they begin study. Ofsted’s March 2023 inspection awarded the college a ‘strong’ rating for meeting employer skills needs — the highest grade in that category — while the college’s overall effectiveness was judged ‘Good’.
The extra sessions were added to accommodate high demand for vocational training in sectors such as health and construction across the North East. Staff will be on hand in the evenings to explain how to apply for courses for the upcoming academic year; attendees should contact the college’s admissions team for confirmed details about financial support (for example, the 16–19 Bursary Fund).
For full event listings and to book a place, see the Gateshead College events page.
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