NEW College Durham has launched a new course to help students take their first steps towards a career in the dental industry.

The new dental nursing advanced apprenticeship will start in September 2014 and combines real workplace learning with classroom study. The course will be delivered one day a week at New College Durham, in Durham City, and apprentices will spend the rest of the week in the workplace getting hands-on experience.

The apprenticeship programme includes a Level 3 diploma in dental nursing qualification and is endorsed by City and Guilds. Apprentices are paid a wage so they can earn and learn at the same time.

Claire Kelly, curriculum manager, said: “We are delighted to be offering this new dental nurse programme. It has become a very popular career choice and this new programme is a fantastic opportunity to for those who wish to pursue a career in this sector.”

She continues: “We already have Durham City Smiles and Framwellgate Dental Surgery on board, with nurses who are already employed there keen to start their training with us. We are looking for more dental practices to work in partnership with us, in addition to those interested in embarking on a career as a dental nurse, and those already working as a dental nurse who are not yet qualified.”

The college is converting a classroom into a dental surgery training room so apprentices can train in a realistic working environment.

If you are interested in taking on an apprentice, or if you would like a career as a dental nurse, contact Claire Kelly on 0191 375 4040 or email claire.kelly@newdur.ac.uk