26TH SEP 2024
Launch of Cheltenham’s New Sustainable Construction Centre
Today we were proud to celebrate the opening of a new sustainable construction centre at Cheltenham Campus. Training the green workforce of tomorrow, the centre supports Gloucestershire’s growing cyber and infrastructure ambitions and its need for skilled construction workers. Also supporting a growing cohort of local school leavers, this marks the first opportunity for all construction subjects to be taught at Cheltenham Campus.
The centre expands the provision in Cheltenham with additional training in electrical, plumbing and carpentry. These subjects are offered alongside courses in construction multiskills, property maintenance, groundworks, design, surveying and planning, and construction and the built environment.
There are options for all ages and every type of study, with courses that span a range of diplomas, T Levels, and university level qualifications, as well as apprenticeships for employers to train and upskill their staff.
With sustainability now a key focus for the college, students will be taught sustainable approaches to construction through the curriculum. They’ll learn about things like:
- Smart technologies
- Renewable energy systems like solar PV, ground-source heat pumps and EV charging
- Eco-friendly construction techniques
- Waste minimisation
- Water conservation techniques
- Sustainable design
- Environmental regulations
The centre was also designed and built with sustainability in mind. Following on from the college’s ambitious GC Zero project, the new building has adopted air source heat pump technology for hot water and workshop heating systems, as well as efficient air conditioning systems to provide heat and cooling to classrooms. The building also benefits from new industry high levels of insulation, and electricity in the building comes from the campus solar generation and battery storage facilities.
Bringing this visionary project to life we were pleased to work with an esteemed team of partners. This includes our contractor, family-run Beard Construction, architects Roberts Limbrick, quantity surveyors Ward Williams Associates, structural engineers Simpson Associates and fire consultants Helios. The college was also supported in its bid for Department for Education (DfE) funding by Cheltenham Borough Council, who helped the college secure £4 million from the DfE. The college funded the rest of the £5 million build.
Jamie Harwood, Director at Beard, said: "We’re extremely proud to have worked in partnership with [Gloucestershire College] to deliver this sustainable, state-of-the-art facility.
“Throughout our 130 year history, Beard has built many educational facilities, but it feels especially rewarding to have delivered space to train people within our own industry. Future construction talent, and potentially even future Beard employees, will have the opportunity to pursue their passions and hone their skills here.”
As we train the next generation of tradespeople and construction professionals, the new construction training centre will play a pivotal role in addressing the increasing demand for skilled construction workers in the region, projected to reach 6,400 annually by 2025 and coinciding with the industry's shift towards net-zero carbon technologies in construction.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Matthew Burgess, Principal and CEO of Gloucestershire College, said:
“Even before this [centre opened], we were the largest provider of construction training in the county by a country mile. It is the single largest occupational area in the college – and we cover a lot of areas.
“… As well as addressing skills needs, part of our mission is also social mobility. Cheltenham Campus is deliberately placed in an area of regeneration. Our learners can’t always travel so we want to create opportunities for them.
“… We’re proud of this facility. But ultimately isn’t about me or the college – this is a facility for our community – the residents of Cheltenham, the businesses of Cheltenham and the whole county to benefit from.”
Whilst aligning the evolving needs of the industry and community we’re proud to inspire students to pursue careers in construction, all whilst cementing our commitment to sustainability.
