Your Future Starts Here.
This Careers Programme contains all activities and opportunities that run throughout the year, supporting you from day one to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding to be able to work towards a successful destination beyond college. The Programme is designed specifically using the CDI Framework, the Gatsby Benchmarks and relevant legislation to guarantee best practice. The Programme is delivered by professionally qualified Careers Advisers, Progression Coaches, industry expert lecturers and guest speakers.
At East Durham College, we believe that a great education doesn’t just prepare you for exams, it prepares you for life. Whatever stage you’re at, whether you have a clear plan or no idea where to start, there’s support here for you.
This isn’t a box-ticking exercise. It’s a genuine, year-round commitment to helping you succeed beyond college.
What is the Careers Programme?
Everything we do maps to six core principles from the CDI Framework – the professional standard for careers education in the UK:
Grow throughout life by learning and reflecting on yourself, your background, and your strengths.
Explore the full range of possibilities open to you and learn about recruitment processes and the culture of different workplaces.
Manage your career actively, make the most of opportunities and learn from setbacks.
Create opportunities by being proactive and building positive relationships with others.
Balance your life as a worker and/or entrepreneur with your wellbeing, other interests and your involvement with your family and community.
See the big picture by paying attention to how the economy, politics and society connect with your own life and career.
Career Programmes 2025-26
Meet the Team.
Our careers team is made up of qualified professionals who between them have experience spanning education, industry and careers guidance at every level. They’re here to support you, not to tell you what to do.
My name is Matthew Reid, and I’m the Careers Leader Manager. I am a professionally qualified Careers Advisor and previously spent 16 and a half years as a teacher in a local secondary school. Before that, I managed a 10-screen multiplex. So, as you can see, I’ve got a little experience making career choices and changes. I’m passionate about helping you make the best choices for you, without trying to influence you in any way. Honestly, I’m jealous of the exciting choices you’ve got ahead of you.
Matthew Reid Careers Leader Manager
Hello! I’m Lorna Jennings, and I am a professionally qualified Careers Adviser with over 25 years’ experience supporting people to make informed choices. Careers support isn’t just about information, options and planning for the future, careers support can help you discover what really matters to you and find your purpose in the world. There are many wonderful opportunities available, and if you want to find out more, come along and speak to one of the team.
Lorna Jennings Careers Adviser
Hi, I’m Crystal. I’m the newest qualified member of the team after completing my Careers Guidance Apprenticeship and I’m here help you find your next steps. I’ve been on a journey myself, as I’ve previously been a copywriter, marketing co-ordinator, support worker and dental nurse, so I totally understand that you may not know exactly what you want to do right now. Making decisions can be feel scary and that’s why I’m here to chat through options and help as much as I can.
Crystal Booth-Curtis Careers Guidance Apprenticeship
