Fortem has launched its new training academy, the Northern 4Life Academy, following the success of their Midlands Academy in Aston
Northern 4Life Academy was officially opened by Mick Williamson, managing director at Fortem, in Rotherham earlier this month. The academy is the company’s second £1m specialist repairs and maintenance training facility to open.
The launch event welcomed over 90 guests including clients, local schools, community groups, careers and enterprise teams, businesses and tenants. Led by Dr Ann-Marie Steele, Fortem’s academy team showcased the company’s innovative approaches to training and previewed some emerging technologies the business is developing.
The centre has state-of-the-art classrooms and training bays – ranging from wet trades, joinery and carpentry, electrical, gas and plumbing – that can be used to simulate a range of real-world situations faced by trade and customer teams.
The courses offered by the Northern 4Life Academy range from pre-apprenticeship through to executive level. Bespoke courses can also be designed to meet business needs and client requirements for compliance, technical, IT and systems training as well as personal development.
A key part of the academy vision is to continue working in partnership with clients to provide bespoke and routine training, which equips the workforce to deal with challenges faced in this changing sector. The external offer extends to welcoming and supporting the wider community via schools and community groups to develop workplace skills and leaving a legacy in the local community.
Shane Young, membership manager at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “It was a pleasure to be at the official opening of Fortem’s Northern 4Life Academy.
“It was a great day and we are proud to support our Patron, Fortem, with this amazing facility leaving a superb legacy in Rotherham.”
Fortem recently secured a 10-year deal with Equity Housing Group and Johnnie Johnson Housing. Kathryn Fox-Rogers, director of homes and services at Johnnie Johnson Housing, added: “It was great to see the launch of Fortem’s 4Life Academy in Rotherham today – social value for all!
“I’m looking forward to seeing the academy develop and getting some Johnnie Johnson Housing and Equity Housing Group customers involved.”
To enquire about training opportunities at the Northern 4Life Academy you can contact training.enquiries@fortem.co.uk.
