Academy has the building blocks for future success
THE Swadlincote campus of Burton and South Derbyshire College is set to open its doors in April.
The college has unveiled its Construction and Sustainability Academy in William Nadins Way, which will provide a base for its bricklaying, plumbing, engineering and construction students.
College principal Dawn Ward said the new centre would put college students ‘at the heart of economic growth and skills development within South Derbyshire’.
The new facility was described as a ‘dream come true’ by South Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler.
“The newly built college is having its finishing touches put in place for the students to arrive in April,” the Conservative backbencher said.
“The quality of teaching and skills which will be available to youngsters is so impressive.
“I know that it will be a huge asset to South Derbyshire and the surrounding areas.” The 38,000sq ft development will be home to around 270 students and 45 staff.
It is hoped the training and qualifications on offer will be in line with the future employment needs of the district.
Mrs Ward said: “The rate at which our new state-of-the-art Cacademy is evolving has been amazing to see.
“I am also delighted to announce that development of the facility is both on time and on budget.
“The academy itself brings together a multi-discipline approach to their vocational aspect of learning, partnered with state-of-the-art technologies and teaching practices.”
The warehouse has been fitted out with purpose-built areas where students will be able to do practical construction training in life-sized environments.
“Our recent name change to include South Derbyshire is further testimony to both the growth of the college, and the importance of South Derbyshire to our plan,” Mrs Ward added.
“This is a very exciting time for the South Derbyshire community and the future prosperity of this area.”
