Coastal college campus site set for major expansion |
East Coast College will establish the Lound Civil Campus, a dynamic training hub in collaboration with regional employers, for new entrants, career changers and existing workers looking to upskill.
The opening of East Coast College's new Civil Engineering and Construction Campus back in 2023. Picture: East Coast College (Image: East Coast College)
The campus based at Lound near Lowestoft, opened its doors for the first time on July 5, 2023, as East Coast College unveiled the Civil Engineering and Construction Campus.
The opening of East Coast College's new Civil Engineering and Construction Campus in 2023. Picture: East Coast College (Image: East Coast College)
Now the college and Suffolk New College have been successful with bids to the Asset Skills Enhancement and Capability (ASEC) Fund - a £7.8 million pot provided by Sizewell C, with the projects supported by East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council.
With the fund's aim to enhance the supply of skills related to Sizewell C, regional needs and aspirations, it will see the local skills provision - such as apprenticeships - expanded and developed.
Richard Smith , Suffolk County Council’s deputy leader, said: “This funding is enabling long-term development of local skills in Suffolk.
"This will train and educate students to support the Sizewell C project but will also have a significant and lasting benefit for the county’s civil engineering."
East Suffolk Council leader Caroline Topping said: “This funding will help improve skills and is about enabling our communities to thrive, both now and in the future.
East Suffolk Council leader Caroline Topping. Picture: Newsquest(Image: Archant (Image: Archant)
"By investing in local skills and training, we are helping to create lasting opportunities."
Paul Padda, principal and chief executive at East Coast College, said: “We are delighted and grateful to have collaborated with Sizewell C, East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council to secure funding for the further development of our civil engineering campus in Lound.
Paul Padda, principal and CEO of East Coast College. Image: East Coast College (Image: East Coast College)
"This investment will enable us to expand our work with employers and deliver vital skills training linked to major infrastructure projects across sectors including plant operations, groundwork, formwork, water, rail, and housebuilding.
“The enhanced curriculum will create outstanding opportunities for people in our communities to gain new skills and progress into well-paid, long-term careers, supporting economic growth and prosperity for generations to come.”
Suffolk New College will expand its offer with more high-quality training and education, in groundworks, civil engineering, technical higher educational skills needs and driver training.
Chris Young, head of Sizewell C’s employment affairs unit, said: “We’re delighted to able to provide this important funding to both colleges."