Students from Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College have taken part in the first session of the Academy of Regional Design and Architecture (ARDA), an innovative employer-led programme for young people interested in the built environment.
The 24-week programme has been designed to give students a deeper understanding of architecture, design and construction while helping them develop the skills, knowledge and industry experience needed to progress into higher education, apprenticeships and employment.
Jane Reed, Strategic Engagement Lead, at Education Partnership North East, said: “The Academy of Regional Design and Architecture has got off to a fantastic start at HICSA. This exciting project provides our students with the practical skills, knowledge and experience to prepare them for careers in architecture, construction and the build environment.
“It has been brilliant to see so many students sign up for the project from Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College.”
ARDA is an innovative partnership between Education Partnership North East (EPNE), which includes Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College, and Northumbria University, supported by industry specialists Building Design Northern (BDN), FaulknerBrowns, MawsonKerr, Velux and Space Architects.
The academy has been created to help young people explore the many opportunities available across the construction and built environment sectors while developing the practical and technical skills employers are looking for.
As part of the programme, students can work towards progression onto architecture and related degree programmes at Northumbria University through a modified entry, creating clear and accessible routes into the profession.
Throughout the programme, students will benefit from valuable input from industry professionals, helping them develop the practical skills, knowledge and experience needed to succeed in architecture, design and construction careers.
Sunderland College, as part of college group EPNE, receives an Outstanding rating across the board in its latest Ofsted inspection.
November 26, 2024
Sunderland’s HICSA has been named the North East’s Project of the Year after winning a trio of honours at the 2026 RICS North East Awards.
July 9, 2026
Sunderland’s Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy has won the prestigious Constructing Excellence North East (CENE) Retrofit Award.
July 7, 2026
98% of our students progress to a positive destination
(*Destination data for Sunderland College students aged 16-18, academic year 2017/18).
Our achievement rates are well above the national average.
We are the College of the Year.
(*Top college nationally for BTECs, Pearson 2019)
100% of our HND and HNC students progressed to employment or further study.
(*Destination data, academic year 2016/17, HNC 19+)
We have recently invested £50 million in our facilities.
