SOUTH Essex College’s new construction centre in partnership with Redrow Homes and Draper Tools has opened in Basildon.
The Centre provides construction training opportunities for local people, allowing students to study building trades such as painting and decorating, carpentry and joinery, brickwork and plastering, plus construction management.
Based at the College’s Campus in Nethermayne, the Centre offers industry level training, facilities, equipment and opportunities to students.
Redrow Homes is working closely with the students, allowing them access to the new Westley Green development site for study visits to see the build in progress and offering work experience at the company’s regional office in Laindon; while Draper Tools are providing quality trade tools for the centre.
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.”
Leigh Johnson, Senior Development Manager for Redrow Homes (Eastern), 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.”
Students will begin studying a Construction Entry Level Award at the centre next week. To find out more about the course, visit www.southessex.ac.uk/construction
