We are delighted to announce that we have been joined by Simon Muschamp as our New Head of School for Construction, Automotive & Plumbing.
The school teaches bricklayers, carpenters/joiners, property maintenance operatives, painters & decorators, motor vehicle technicians and plumbers from entry level to level three, with almost half of the students taking part in an apprenticeship.
Simon is an experienced Head of School with nearly 20 years of experience in Further Education. Up until his most recent position in Sunderland, he had worked in colleges all over the North of England looking after Construction, Engineering, Automotive and Sports/Public Services departments.
Speaking shortly after his appointment, Simon praised the welcoming atmosphere at New College Durham, saying: “I am passionate about delivering high quality and education for all my students and ensuring that everyone maximises the time they spend with us. The aim is that everyone develops the knowledge, skills, and behaviours they need to progress to the next level of study or gain an apprenticeship or employment.
Apart from the outstanding facilities and equipment available here at the college, the main reason I took up this post is all the lecturers have come from the trades themselves. They, like me, take deep pride in supporting our students to find their path and develop their practical skills, knowledge, and behaviours to get them work ready.”
Simon started working in Further Education at Grimsby College in the Plumbing department before gaining a BA (Hons) in Education and Training and then attaining a Level 7 in Strategic Leadership and Management which aided his progression into management roles.
Due to the need to update existing buildings, methods of transport and the way new construction projects are undertaken to meet net zero targets, New College Durham are at the vanguard of the emerging curriculum area in Green Skills. This covers aspects such as retrofit, heat pump installation & repair, electric vehicles and hydrogen gas projects.
Simon added: “The recent developments in the curriculum areas are a welcome challenge. I have been heavily involved in the introduction of T-Levels, the set-up of new buildings and satellite centers and more recently the evolution of renewable technologies, and the retrofit and modern methods of construction sectors. I'm looking forward to bringing my knowledge and experience to this developing education sector.”
Outside of work Simon enjoys walking, finding a nice country pub, cooking, and watching a good film. Living on the outskirts of Durham with his fiancé for the last four years the couple love to explore everything the North East has to offer.