Stratford-upon-Avon College has hosted a wealth of local dignitaries and employers at the official launch event for its new Heat Pump Training Centre.
Ahead of the official opening, guests toured the new facilities and wider campus and took part in a Warwickshire Skills Hub‑led roundtable discussion on sustainability within the construction industry, before the Mayor of Stratford, Cllr Dani Hunter, cut the ribbon to formally declare the facility open.
The campus has been transformed in recent years by a £13 million redevelopment project turning it into a world-class learning environment designed to inspire, innovate and empower.
The Heat Pump Training Centre was developed following the award of an additional £1.1 million to the College through the Local Skills Improvement Fund. This investment was secured after the Local Skills Improvement Plan highlighted a clear need to strengthen provision in sustainable construction, with the rapid expansion of heat pumps and other low‑carbon heating solutions identified as a priority.
The event was a huge success. Vice Principal, Business Growth, Skills and Partnerships, Nancy Buckley, commented: “We were delighted to welcome so many fantastic local businesses, employers and guests to celebrate the grand opening of this wonderful new facility. We are proud to be supporting the upskill of heating engineers, plumbers and electricians in this new sustainable heating and ventilation technology and look forward to seeing what our facilities can help them achieve.”
At the heart of the College’s recent wider transformation is a collection of state-of-the-art spaces that reflect the future of industry and learning. A TV and radio studio, two theatres (one of which is fully accessible for students with mobility issues) and the campus’s ‘Green Heart’ offer a vibrant central hub and inclusive community space. Modern plumbing and electrical workshops also address critical skills gaps and support employers in the fast-changing world of heating technology.
Last year the College cut the ribbon on a new Electric Vehicle training space to equip learners with the expertise needed for contemporary automotive careers. The project was made possible by Stratford District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity funding. With more plans in the works, this is an exciting time for local residents of all ages looking to upskill.
If you are a plumber or electrician, looking to upskill yourself or your workforce in heat pump installation maintenance, or eager to view the facility, please contact Luke Scrivens at Luke.Scrivens@Solihull.ac.uk.
