Building work has begun on a new state-of-the-art construction skills centre in Bath that will train the next generation of construction workers
A purpose-built state-of-the-art construction skills centre is set to begin construction in Bath. The facility will be located at Bath College’s Somer Valley Campus in Radstock, and will bring all construction trades training under one roof.
Students and apprentices learning crafts such as bricklaying, construction, carpentry, stonemasonry, plumbing, electrical installation, and refrigeration will be able to undertake training at the centre. The new workshops will have the capacity to train some 500 students.
New students expected in September
The work is expected to complete in time for a new intake of students in September this year.
Bath College Principal Laurel Penrose said: “This investment, supported by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP), demonstrates the college’s commitment to enhance student opportunities and support local employers.
“It is envisaged the centre will become a regional centre of excellence for the construction industry, creating a talent pool for employers to find their future workforce.”
The construction skills centre was designed by BBA Architects and was approved last year. The two storey centre had archaeological surveys carried out at the end of 2016/
Students can apply to study at the centre now via the application process. The college is offering full-time vocational courses for 16 to 18 year olds and apprenticeships. Bath College’s City Centre Campus will offer higher education courses.
Daisy Walsh, Head of Department for Technology at Bath College, said: “The facilities will be second to none, it will be state-of-the-art.
“It’s all about building students’ confidence in their trade and giving them access to the best training and technical expertise.
“Students are taught by specialists in their field and we have fantastic links with employers who work with us to provide training opportunities.
“All our courses come with the option to study as an apprentice and they have a very strong reputation. Our students achieve very well, they progress onto jobs and continue to study on our higher education programmes.”
