Ribbon cut on new Construction Centre of Excellence 

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government officially opened the new plumbing and gas training centre at Newark. 

The Right Honorable Robert Jenrick MP cut the ribbon to mark the construction expansion at Newark College. 

Following nearly £400,000 of capital investment from the Newark Town’s Fund Board, as well as significant match-funding by the Lincoln College Group, disused buildings on Newark’s Friary Road campus have been repurposed to create the new plumbing training and gas assessment centre.  

The facility has been developed with input from local employers to ensure school leavers and adults learn relevant skills in industry-standard workshops, with the latest equipment and tools.  

The centre will support local businesses and self-employed engineers, by providing short courses, apprenticeships, programmes for career re-training and gas assessment training. 

Mr Jenrick said: “I’m hugely excited about this new development for the town.  

“Newark College are responding to the regional demand for key roles in the construction sector, and their new provision improves access to the required training and education, while also delivering valuable services for local businesses.” 

In addition to level 1 and level 2 plumbing, the College is expanding the brickwork provision and adding an electrical installation element to their multi-trade course from September. Plans are also in development to launch a joinery degree level qualification and a stonemasonry apprenticeship. 

Councillor David Lloyd, Co-Chair of Newark Towns Fund Board and Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council said: “From day one, Newark Towns Fund Board’s vision has been to transform Newark into a place people want to live, work and visit.  Part of that vision is to ensure that we give local people the opportunity to fulfil their learning potential, access higher-education and be recruited into exciting jobs, while also giving local employers access to a highly qualified and work-ready workforce.   

"The opening of the construction centre is just the first part in delivering this vision and I delighted to see this milestone welcomed with such enthusiasm and support from students.  I look forward to hearing about the numerous opportunities this new centre offers to our local community over the coming years while also waiting with anticipation for the successful completion of many other Towns Fund initiatives in Newark.” 

Through its partnership with key local employers, College learners will benefit from a range of industry-led enrichment activities. This includes work experience, placements, regular guest speakers and excursions. 

If you are interested in studying at Newark College and would like to know more about the range of construction courses available, please click here.

If you are an employer looking to utilise our services for your business, please contact the Lead for Education and Training at Newark College, Penny Taylor at ptaylor@lincolncollege.ac.uk.