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| GCHQ-Adjacent £5m Training Centre in Cheltenham Gets Closer to Completion |
Gloucestershire College's Ambitious Construction Training Center Takes Shape in Partnership with Beard
Gloucestershire College is embarking on an exciting journey to meet the ever-growing demand for skilled construction workers in the region. In a significant development, Beard Construction has been chosen as the key partner to kickstart the construction of the college's groundbreaking training center near GCHQ. This endeavor, set to commence this month, aims to revolutionize construction skill acquisition in Cheltenham and address the increasing demand for construction professionals.
Until now, aspiring construction workers in Cheltenham have had to travel to Gloucester or beyond for basic skills training. The college's £5 million state-of-the-art training center, located at the Cheltenham campus, is poised to change this scenario. Moreover, it aligns with the region's projected need for 6,400 construction workers annually by 2025.
This futuristic training center will equip construction professionals of tomorrow with the latest industry technologies, emphasizing those required for the transition towards a net-zero carbon society. In line with Gloucestershire College's commitment to environmental sustainability, the facility is designed to inspire the green builders of the future. The college's efforts to be carbon neutral include the installation of ground source heat pumps and 380 square meters of solar panels on the center's roof.
Funded by £70,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and £4 million from the Post-16 Capabilities Fund, Gloucestershire College's 7,000 square feet Sustainable Building Center will cater to 164 learners weekly, spanning various construction disciplines, all with sustainability at its core. The facility boasts 13 plumbing slots, 21 electrical slots, 21 brickwork, foundation, and carpentry slots, in addition to four classrooms.
Beard Construction, with a storied history of constructing educational facilities spanning 130 years, is entrusted with building the center. Their construction schedule, starting this month, is designed to minimize disruptions to other college activities while adhering to the college's collaborative and sustainable ethos.
Director Matthew Burgess expressed, "Our choice of Beard Construction is rooted in their exceptional reputation and demonstrated commitment to sustainable, high-quality construction. We sought a partner who shares our vision of preparing tomorrow's talent for the evolving construction landscape. Beard has proven their expertise, coupled with their focus on reducing disruption and increasing collaboration, aligning with our goals. We look forward to working with them over the coming year."
Alex Chalk, Member of Parliament for Cheltenham, recently visited the site to discuss relevant plans and opportunities for Cheltenham with key stakeholders. He stated, "This exciting new Construction Skills Center - in which the Government is investing £4 million - means that for the first time ever, students and apprentices will be able to study construction here in Cheltenham. This will not only help provide the skilled workforce needed for Cheltenham's e-vision, and M5, J10, and Air Balloon, but it will also create exciting opportunities that allow young people with skill and determination to go as far as their talents can take them."
Jamie Harwood, Director of Beard, added, "Gloucestershire College has an exciting vision to not only increase pathways into the industry but also to ensure new staff have the skills needed to meet the challenges and opportunities of sustainability. These principles are a key driver for us at Beard, and we are delighted to be working with the College as its contractor of choice."
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