A bespoke, state-of-the-art centre for providing training in construction and engineering skills will open in Weston-super-Mare in September.

The Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence (CECE) will help ensure people in North Somerset can gain the skills they need to find employment as the jobs market continues to shrink.

The courses offered have been specifically selected to address the needs of business and industry and the Centre has been designed and equipped to provide the best possible facilities including electrical, bespoke brickwork and carpentry.

The Centre will also act as a flagship for training in green technologies. An experienced and enthusiastic teaching staff will deliver training in renewable energy technologies as well as promoting sustainable work practices.

The Centre will attract students from other parts of the country, boosting the local economy year-round.

The CECE is part of Weston College’s superb new South West Skills Campus on the site of the old Clark’s factory on Locking Road.

Dr Paul Phillips, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College said: “We hope the centre will become a national beacon in terms of recognising the needs of individual young people and adults and providing the best resources and training to ensure they fulfil their potential.”

It will provide the first intensive solar heating course for electricians in the South West, responding to the predicted immense demand people qualified and approved to install brand new sun-powered central heating systems.

Prospective students from local secondary schools recently visited the Centre during a series of Taster Days, designed to give them a brief experience of what to expect if they decide to enrol for a course.

They have had the opportunity to build a scaled-down Egyptian Pyramid, create electrical circuits and learn how to use wood-working machines.

Liam Beaman a local secondary school student commented: “I really enjoyed myself – I learnt lots of new skills and the excellent facilities meant I had a great day. The teaching staff were brilliant and I’m now really interested in completing an Apprenticeship in Bricklaying at Weston College’s new Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence”.

For more information about any of the courses on offer, please contact: 01934 411 777 or email: enquiries@weston.ac.uk.