NETA students have been making a splash as they got their first taste of student life as a partner of Stockton Riverside College.

Around 40 new starters braved the chilly waters of the Tees Barrage in an afternoon of white water rafting fun.

“The aim of the day’s activities was to welcome the NETA students and introduce them to the sports and enrichment opportunities that are now available to them through the College,” said Further Education and Sports Co-ordinator, Ron Booth.

With funding from Sports England, the event formed part of Stockton Riverside College’s ongoing commitment to the Get Active project – a national initiative aimed at getting more people to take part in sport.

Ron said: “Students across the College are regularly encouraged to have a go at a range of new activities and sports.”

The recent merger of Stockton Riverside College and the NETA Training Trust will see further enrichment opportunities now open up to NETA students as they access shared services.

With the River Tees Watersports Centre and Tees Barrage right on the College’s doorstep, Ron said it seemed the perfect chance for the new students to try something a bit different.

NETA instructor Paul Johnson said: “The students really enjoyed themselves. While some were a little apprehensive at first you could soon see their confidence growing.”

Stockton Riverside College and the NETA Training Trust announced their merger last month in a move that will drive forward engineering and vocational training in Stockton and beyond.

While the two organisations will remain separate entities they will both benefit from combined strengths and services.