Construction sights and sounds experienced at launch of Stourbridge College’s new centre

Stourbridge College’s new construction centre was officially opened by building expert and Big Brother winner, Craig Phillips, with help from local schools. The £1.5 million centre contains carpentry, electrical and plumbing workshops developed to support industry skills shortages and train students for local jobs.

“I’m hugely impressed with the college’s facilities and how the students have made full use of the resources now available to them,” said Craig Phillips. “I’ve experienced every side of the construction industry from worker to trainer to business owner, so I’m well aware of how important it is for young people to be supported in their careers. Businesses should also play their part in shaping what their current and future workforces can achieve.

“This centre will make a difference in the region and inspire generations to come.”

The construction centre enables the college to welcome 350 additional students. Qualifications begin at Level 1 (pre-GCSE) with students able to work towards higher level construction Apprenticeships and university-level (HNC) courses. These are aimed at carpentry trades and jobs as electricians and plumbers, with the potential to train to be architects, engineers and construction process managers.

Gill Coldicott, Head of Stourbridge College said: “All our training and qualifications provide in-demand skills that ensure learners are job-ready. We’ve recognised the growth in Apprenticeships and continue to work with many employers looking to recruit staff and develop their existing workforces.

”The construction centre complements other facilities at the college such as our engineering workshops, facilities for health care and early years as well as our IT and library resources. They demonstrate that the college is in an excellent position to provide qualifications and valued skills that will get local people into jobs.”

Andrew Cleaves, Principal of Stourbridge College added: “We have worked hard to respond to the challenges facing the region’s construction sector and now here is our solution.

“The centre is designed to help increase construction productivity in the West Midlands and develop quality standards across training programmes. We believe we are in an excellent position to deliver on this to support growth and get people into jobs.”