Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has officially opened Lincoln College Group’s new plumbing and gas training centre at Newark.
The grand opening came after almost £400,000 of capital investment from the Newark Towns Fund Board was put into developing the new facility, alongside significant match-funding from the Lincoln College Group.
The new plumbing and gas training centre is based within a converted set of what were disused buildings at Newark’s Friary Road campus. The centre has been kitted out with the latest in equipment and tools and was developed with input from local employers to ensure school leavers and adults leave education with the relevant skills and have been taught in a facility that is up to industry standard.
The centre will support local businesses and self-employed engineers by providing short courses, apprenticeships and programmes for career retraining and gas assessment training.
Through Newark College’s ongoing partnership with local businesses, students will benefit from a wide range of industry-led enrichment activities, including work experience, placements and excursions, as well as regular guest speakers from the world of industry.
Speaking at the opening of the new centre, Jenrick said: “I am hugely excited about this new development for the town. Newark College are responding to the regional demand for key roles in the construction sector, and their new provision improves access to the required training and education, while also delivering valuable services for local businesses.”
In addition to Level 1 and Level 2 plumbing courses, Newark College is also expanding its brickwork provision and is to add an electrical installation module to its multi-trade course from September 2021.
Plans have also been put in motion at the College for the launch of a joinery degree level qualification and a stonemasonry apprenticeship.
Councillor David Lloyd, Co-Chair of Newark Towns Fund Board and leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, commented: “From day one, Newark Towns Fund Board’s vision has been to transform Newark into a place people want to live, work and visit. Part of that vision is to ensure that we give local people the opportunity to fulfil their learning potential, access higher-education and be recruited into exciting jobs, while also giving local employers access to a highly qualified and work-ready workforce.
“The opening of the construction centre is just the first part in delivering this vision and I am delighted to see this milestone welcomed with such enthusiasm and support from students.
“I look forward to hearing about the numerous opportunities this new centre offers to our local community over the coming years while also waiting with anticipation for the successful completion of many other Towns Fund initiatives in Newark.”
