Warrington & Vale Royal College set to officially launch new Construction & Civil Engineering Academy

The Construction & Civil Engineering Academy will serve as a vital link between the college, local employers, and industry leaders alike. It will leverage advanced technologies to improve construction processes and equip students with the skills needed for their future careers.

Based at the college’s Warrington campus, the Academy’s primary aim is to drive forward the construction of high-quality, smart, and sustainable homes – accelerating construction timelines, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs. By addressing key challenges in the sector, the Academy will contribute to shaping a more sustainable future for construction and civil engineering.

The official launch event, set for December 2024, will welcome a distinguished guest list of industry professionals, local leaders, and employers. Attendees will get a first look at the state-of-the-art facility and hear from key speakers about how the Academy will impact both students and the local construction and civil engineering sectors.

Nichola Newton, Principal & CEO of Warrington & Vale Royal College, says: “We are delighted to launch our sector-leading Construction & Civil Engineering Academy and continue to work to build very strong partnerships between students, employers, and industry experts. The Academy, one of a number at the college, supports government commitments and marks a significant step forward in meeting industry demands, addressing critical skills shortages, and contributing to economic growth.”

Local Growth Minister, Alex Norris, said: “The new Construction & Civil Engineering Academy is brilliant news for Warrington and the wider region, opening up fantastic opportunities for local people.

“By providing residents with the green skills they need to succeed in the construction industry, it will make a huge contribution to growing the local economy and changing lives for the better.

“This government is committed to driving growth and creating jobs across the country, and the new Academy can be a leading light in that mission.”

As the official opening approaches, the college reaffirms its commitment to transforming qualifications into meaningful careers, with the new Academy set to play a pivotal role in the construction and civil engineering sectors.

Cllr Laura Watson, Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy, growth and quality work, said: “A range of partners have worked together to make this new facility a reality, and its official opening is great news for Warrington. It will be a fantastic asset for our borough, increasing access to careers in the construction and civil engineering sectors, empowering the next generation of professionals, and nurturing talent.

“As a centre of excellence, the facility will help drive future infrastructure development and support Warrington’s commitment to sustainability. Crucially, it will help drive the development of retrofit skills to improve existing housing stock and reduce carbon emissions through the application of new green technologies. This is a growing requirement of future employment in the construction industry.”