A COLLEGE training centre has expanded a popular course by moving to a larger facility with new teaching equipment.

Following an increased uptake in its plumbing courses, Evesham College has expanded its plumbing course provision.

The upgraded training centre features eight workbenches, three fully functioning bathrooms and two central heating rooms, alongside low-carbon steel and cold-water cylinder facilities.

Maison McDonnell, head of plumbing at Evesham College, said: “The expansion into wider premises has really helped to create a centralised base for the department.

“The plumbing industry has seen a decrease in workers over the last few years with a shortage in skills and experience on offer across the country, so these purpose-built workshops are excellent in helping to reduce the skills gap.  

“In expanding our course capacity, we are able to provide more training and attract new talent into the industry pipeline, with many of our students moving into employment as a plumber or into further study at Royal Leamington Spa College.”  

The move follows an increase in applicants for the college’s Level 1 and 2 plumbing courses in recent years, against the backdrop of a national skills shortage in the industry.

Learners on the courses have consistently performed well, with the department maintaining an above 80 per cent pass rate the last two years and many students progressing on to industry-related apprenticeships at WCG’s Royal Leamington Spa College.

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The new space has helped the department increase the number of practical workstations on offer to students, and the expansion includes a new locker room and central heating wall which allows learners to test out their skills on different heating mechanisms.

The upgraded space has also enabled the course to increase its provision and take on 10 additional learners this year, with the expansion helping to bring new talent into the industry.  

Students can choose to study either a Level 1 or Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing, with the courses including a mix of practical and classroom learning covering pipe work, plumbing processes, hot and cold-water systems, central heating and drainage.   

For more information, visit www.wcg.co.uk/study.