A NEWLY refurbished construction centre has been unveiled at the Heart of Worcestershire (HoW) College in Redditch.

Alliance House includes a newly built brick workshop alongside refurbished plastering, plumbing and carpentry workshops within the existing campus.

Back in 2020 HoW College received a £250,000 grant from Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) towards the redevelopment project which was match funded by the college.

This saw a brand-new brick workshop being built on-site.

Following additional funding from GBSLEP’s Growing Places Fund, the college refurbished the existing plumbing, plastering and carpentry facilities.

Nicki Williams, deputy chief executive and vice principal, corporate services, at HoW College said: “We are delighted to officially open the Worcestershire Construction Centre – Alliance House following the recent refurbishment, thanks to support from Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP. 

“Investment in this centre provides an extensive range of industry standard construction training facilities for further education and apprentices and demonstrates our continued commitment to improving skills and training for our learners and apprentices, which is central to boosting economic growth across the county.”

Redditch MP, Rachel Maclean said: “This is a vital part of our offering for young people in Redditch, opening up opportunities for highly-skilled and well-paid jobs in industries which are growing and need staff.

“Alongside our digital innovation centre which we’re creating as part of our Town Deal, we will also ensure young people in our town have the skills they need for the jobs of the future.”

Satnam Rana-Grindley, GBSLEP director of external affairs, communications and marketing, said a total of £310,000 has been invested into the construction centre by GBSLEP.

“What we’re seeing here is a sustainable and inclusive way to ensure our future workforce is equipped with the skills needed in our labour market,” she added.

“The training and apprenticeships being delivered are offering young people much-needed hands-on experience.”