A college in Kent has been granted a funding boost of £200,000 to expand its facilities to develop construction skills for the local area
Construction skills are set to gain a boost in Kent after Sheppey College revealed £200,000 funding has been awarded to develop new training provisions.
The funding will be used to improve the facilities at the college, which is already used by around 300 students. This will enable a further 150 students to enrol and learn construction trade skills.
College to offer skills training in a number of areas
The grant, which totals £223,798, comes from the South East Local Economic Partnership (SELEP). The college will use it to develop new training provisions for bricklaying, carpentry, wall and floor tiling, multi-trades, and sustainable techniques. The current facilities will be expanded by 152 sq m and will act as a regional hub for construction skills training.
There is certainly need for more construction skills training facilities, as the Construction Skills Network South East report 2015-19 estimated the region will need 970 more bricklayers during this period and 1,590 more wood-trades people.
Construction sector needs more skilled workers
SELEP chairman Christian Brodie said: “It is clear that the construction industry has a need for more skilled labour.
“This extended training facility will go some way to helping businesses in Swale, and the rest of Kent, remain competitive and able to grow.”
College principal, Graham Razey, also commented, stating: “Across the whole of Swale, construction is a booming industry, which represents nine per cent of employment in the borough.
“Working to address the growth potential of this sector is key, and this grant will ensure that the College is delivering the skills which our local economy requires.”
