A new construction centre has opened at South Essex College to provide students with hands on training in building trades
A new construction centre will provide hands on experience across a range of building trades. The centre, which is based at South Essex College’s Basildon Campus, was opened in partnership with Redrow Homes and Draper Tools.
It is hoped the new construction centre will provide local people in the area with the necessary skills to work in the sector. People studying building trades such as painting and decorating, carpentry and joinery, brickwork, plastering and construction management will be able to undertake practical training at the site.
Students will have access to industry expertise
Students will work closely with Redrow, who will give them access to the new Westley Green development site. Visits will be planned to see the development as it progresses. Students will also be offered work experience at Redrow’s regional office in Laindon.
Draper Tool will provide quality construction equipment for the centre, enabling students to get a feel for the types of tools they could be handling in the future.
Anthony Ogbuokiri, head of construction at the college, said: “We’re incredibly excited about our new centre.
“The construction business is a booming sector especially in Essex and we want to train local young people to fill the skills gaps and take advantage of the job opportunities.”
Senior Development Manager for Redrow Homes (Eastern) Leigh Johnson said: “The industry as a whole is facing a skills shortage and this new construction centre, along with our partnership with South Essex College and Redrow’s own training programmes, will help young people develop skills to satisfy future housing needs.
“The centre’s close proximity to our Westley Green development means students will be able to make frequent site visits and see the skills they’re learning used in practice as the new neighbourhood takes shape.”
To find out more visit www.southessex.ac.uk/construction
