New centre to tackle construction worker shortage

The new building will train the next generation of carpenters, plumbers and electricians

A new construction training centre has opened to train the next generation of skilled labourers.

Gloucestershire College's new £5m building in Cheltenham has been developed to produce future electricians, plumbers and carpenters.

It comes as the Construction Industry Training Board says an extra 251,500 workers will be needed by 2028 to meet demand for their skills.

Gary Henderson, the college's head of the technology school said: "We were finding we were oversubscribed, and carpentry is a booming industry now."

Gloucestershire College's Principal, Matt Burgess said: "We have no shortage of demand for construction courses, the limiting factors are facilities and recruiting staff.

"Locally, there are some big projects happening, like the Golden Valley housing scheme, the M5 junction 10 upgrade, and the Gloucester Forum project."

Funding for the building was granted in May last year, and the new building welcomed its first cohort of students this September.

The building features air source heat pumps, and electricity is generated by solar panels on the campus.

The new centre features cubicles where students can learn practical skills

Carpenter lecturer Joy Lucas said: "The college have kitted this out to the max, there is anything you could possibly need.

"These courses build communication and character as well.

"If this wasn't here, we'd be struggling for teaching space for these young people to go into the construction industry," she added.