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Sunderland AFC front and centre at inspirational VIP event

Working with employers

We have a strong reputation of working successfully in partnership with businesses and for providing value-adding solutions to meet business needs.

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Sunderland AFC Chief Operating Officer Steve Davison took centre stage at an inspiring VIP event attended by senior leaders from across the city and wider North East.

Speaking at the high-profile evening hosted at Sunderland College’s City Campus, Steve passionately discussed the importance of building strong partnerships, his love for maths and how education institutions provide an essential environment for success.

Since joining SAFC in 2021, Steve has worked tirelessly to re-engage the club with the city and rebuild its relationship with supporters, businesses, and the local community, including Sunderland College, with which he shares a special connection.

He said: “My mam started at the Bede School over 80 years ago and to this very day, she still speaks incredibly fondly of her time there. It was therefore a privilege to be invited to speak at the event and support Sunderland College, which plays such an integral role in our community.

“At SAFC we recognise the significance of that work and the importance of the Club’s connection with the City of Sunderland and County Durham, with events such as this providing a great opportunity to forge stronger partnerships with a range of diverse regional stakeholders.”

Ellen Thinnesen, Chief Executive of Education Partnership North East and Sunderland College welcomed the guests and thanked them for their ongoing support.

Guests and stakeholders were served a three-course meal in the college’s critically acclaimed City Bistro restaurant by professional cookery and hospitality students and entertained by a stellar musical performance from alumni, Marianne Hume.

During the event, several organisations such as South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland BID and Young Asian Voices were presented with honorary awards in recognition of their impact on skills and communities across the City of Sunderland by James Stuart, Chair of Education Partnership North East, of which Sunderland College is a part.

Speaking after the event, Ellen added: “Sunderland AFC is a vitally important organisation, especially within the City of Sunderland and I am incredibly grateful to Steve, our friend and partner, for providing a thought provoking after-dinner speech.

“For many years Sunderland College has been a key partner working alongside the Club and city leaders to help shape an ambitious future for Sunderland.  Now with the College opening a new Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy in 2024, a campus adjacent to SAFC’s Stadium of Light, we are going to be great neighbours.”

College updates

View all updates
  • Young Asian Voices honoured by Sunderland College

    Young Asian Voices (YAV) Sunderland has received a special Recognition Award for their ‘Positive Impact in the Community’ at an inspiring VIP even...

    December 16, 2022

    Read more
  • Sunderland BID receives special recognition

    Sunderland’s Business Improvement District (BID) received a special Recognition Award for its ‘Positive Impact within the Community’

    December 15, 2022

    Read more
  • NHS Foundation Trust receives special recognition

    South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has received a special Recognition Award for their ‘Positive Impact on Skills’

    December 14, 2022

    Read more

98% of our students progress to a positive destination

(*Destination data for Sunderland College students aged 16-18, academic year 2017/18).

Why choose Sunderland College?

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. 

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