A new construction training centre at Gloucestershire College aims to address the regional skills shortage by training 6,400 workers each year by 2025.

Developed by contractors Beard, the centre, located at the Cheltenham Campus, is set to become a key resource in meeting the growing demand for skilled construction professionals in the area. It will also support the industry's transition to net-zero carbon technologies, playing a crucial role in the future of sustainable building practices.


Jamie Harwood, Director at Beard, said: "As a company, we understand that importance of not only training the next generation of construction professionals, but also ensuring that they have the right skills to succeed in an ever-changing industry. This will be a key focus for Gloucestershire College and we’re extremely proud to have worked in partnership with them 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."

Designed with sustainability at its core, the building draws electricity from the campus solar generation and battery storage facilities. It also has air source heat pumps, efficient air conditioning systems, and new industry high levels of insulation.