SWDT Prospectus no bleed - Flipbook - Page 20
Our Achievements
SWDT Wins Training and Skills Award at
BusinessIQ 2025
Cutting-Edge AR Welding Technology
Transforms Training
South West Durham Training (SWDT), part of
the Bishop Auckland College Group, has won
the Training and Skills Award at The Northern
Echo’s BusinessIQ Awards 2025. The event,
held at Wynyard Hall in partnership with
Amazon, recognised SWDT’s dedication to
student success in engineering and plumbing.
Senior Business Development Adviser Kirsty
Lewton collected the award, praising the
team’s hard work and commitment. Over the
past two years, SWDT has doubled full-time
enrolments and increased apprenticeships by
30%, supported by investment in technology,
staff, and industry-aligned training, helping to
strengthen links with schools, employers, and
the wider community.
South West Durham Training (SWDT), part of
Bishop Auckland College Group, has introduced
the advanced Soldamatic augmented reality (AR)
welding system to enhance its training provision.
The technology improves safety, reduces costs,
saves materials, and supports sustainability by
allowing students to practice virtually before
using real equipment. Learners can develop
skills across various weld types and positions
with instant feedback, boosting confidence and
performance. The investment is already paying
off, with apprentice Reece Hewick winning a
regional competition after training on the system.
Lecturer Gary Bower praised the equipment as
“next level,” helping students strengthen muscle
memory and employability.
SWDT Students Forge Knife Angel-Inspired
Sculpture to Tackle Knife Crime
Seventeen talented students from South
West Durham Training (SWDT) have used
their metal fabrication and welding skills to
create a striking new artwork inspired by the
Knife Angel. As part of the ‘Pointless Project’
campaign against knife crime, the Level 2
students designed and built a permanent
statue for Newton Aycliffe, featuring angel
wings shaped from knives. Supported by local
firms and guided by lecturers Gary Bower and
Harry Wright, the piece carries the message
“Manufacturing Safer Communities.” Backed
by Durham Constabulary, the project raises
awareness and showcases what young people
can achieve through skill, teamwork, and
creativity.
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