Students studying for construction qualifications at City of Wolverhampton College are to benefit from new facilities thanks to a £1.93million extension which got off the ground last month.
The 400 square metre project – in the Construction Innovation Centre at the college’s Wellington Road campus – is being led by Wolverhampton-based construction company Interclass Plc and will provide two purpose-built mezzanine areas which will house new electrical and plumbing workshops, as well as refurbished training areas for students doing qualifications in gas and painting and decorating.
All areas will be equipped with industry-standard tools and equipment so that students will gain experience of using the same kit as they will in the workplace, and they will also get the chance to do work placements with the contractor and benefit from working alongside experienced tradespeople on the build.
The scheme will also provide two additional classrooms, equipped with cutting-edge hybrid learning technology to give access to high-quality interactive teaching to students who able unable to attend sessions in person.
Malcolm Cowgill, principal of the college, said: “The college has ambitious plans to transform the student environment and the extension to the construction centre will provide first class training facilities in key trade areas, enabling people from Wolverhampton and beyond to gain the skills and knowledge required by employers in the industry.”
Des O’Neill, managing director at Interclass Plc, said: “As a local contractor, it’s great to start work on this exciting project for both the college and the people of Wolverhampton.
“Since commencing work on-site, we have worked in partnership with the college to give construction students practical, hands-on experience.
“This is an excellent opportunity for students to develop their skills and gain future employment that we hope will address the skills shortage in the area.”
The new facilities are being developed with funding from the Department of Education’s Post-16 Capacity Fund and are due to open for the start of the 2022/23 academic year in September.
Get details of construction courses offered by the college here
