World-class energy skills centre launches new training scheme

A £11.3 million “state-of-the-art” energy skills centre being built by Morgan Sindall Construction at East Coast College has launched a brand new training programme ahead of its opening this year.

The programme will be run from the Lowestoft Campus site, where the new energy skills centre is set to open in autumn 2019.

The new course will offer training and qualification opportunities to apprentices and higher education level students, looking to work in energy, engineering, marine and offshore industries.

The project has received £10 million of funding from New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund, to support the development of a regional centre of excellence with national and international specialisms.The development aligns with the regional focus of improving technical skill levels of those working in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) related industries.

There is also a number of courses available to commercial customers, who want to advance their staff’s technical and management competencies and qualifications.

The centre will play a pivotal role in providing appropriately trained and qualified employees, who will support the regional focus in pioneer successful energy and engineering industries in East Anglia.

Chris Travers, operations director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the East of England, said: “It’s fantastic to be marking the launch of the East Coast College’s technical training programme, ahead of the building’s completion in the Autumn.
“Our expert project team brings a wealth of skills and experience to this development and as industry professionals, we deeply appreciate the value of first-class training and are delighted to be constructing this outstanding facility.
“The new centre of excellence will strengthen the region’s capability in energy and engineering and enable the next generation of talent to access outstanding training provision in an inspiring, best-in-class environment - creating a nationally significant asset we can all be proud of.”

Stuart Rimmer, chief executive and principal of East Coast College said: “It is very exciting for us to see how the building is taking shape at our Lowestoft campus and how the construction works are progressing at a pace week by week.
“This project is extremely important for our region as it will help to provide the necessary technical skills for those sectors which are at the heart of our economic growth.
“The new facility will be at the forefront of technological developments in a fast-moving sector and I am delighted that we are able to work in partnership with employers to deliver tailored and bespoke courses and we will continue to do so, in order to ensure that we remain ahead of the curve.”

Doug Field, chair of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “I’m delighted to see this project take shape. Our all-energy coastline has a vital role to play in delivering the clean growth the UK needs. But we can’t do that without a highly skilled workforce. This centre will provide those skills, allowing this fast-evolving sector to continue to grow and add value to our economy.”

• For more information about this news release please contact Ruth Cobban or Olivia Solomon at Influential on 0151 239 5000 or email cobban@thisisinfluential.com or solomon@thisisinfluential.com