Finchale Training College have received a £10,000 grant to assist with training courses and support for armed services veterans.

The grant comes from the Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All programme which aims to provide local people, charities, and projects with the funds required to help the local community. £10,000 is the maximum grant for this programme and will allow the college to continue providing individual support to veterans.

David Etheridge, principal at the college, said: “We’re really grateful for this Big Lottery Funding which will enable us to support veterans on an individual basis to obtain the skills and qualifications they need, to gain the employment they want.”

Finchale training college has a range of professionals on its ‘Veteran Team’, some of which come from civilian backgrounds and others have their roots based in the military – both are qualified specialists that aim to provide the best service possible to the people that need it most. The college works with a range of organisations that aim to provide similar help and support, including; Help for Heroes, Royal British Legion, and The Soldiers’ Charity.

Working directly with a range of employers allows the college to provide training courses and individual help tailored specifically to the job role in mind, allowing ex-service men and women to get back into work and settled as quickly as possible. In addition to job-related training there are specialist health services available to those that need them, for more serious physical injuries and disabilities.

The County Durham college has worked for over 70 years to help and train veterans to assist them with getting back into work and adjusting to civilian life. It was founded in 1943 as a rehabilitation and resettlement centre for servicemen that returned disabled – they have since expanded to help any ex-military personnel and veterans.

For more information about veterans services provided at Finchale training college, visit their website or call: 0191 386 2634