Game-Changer for Cornwall’s Future Builders? New Eco-Friendly Training Academy Opens in St Austell

Photo: left to right – David Atkinson-Beaumont, Rob Bosworth, Stacey Sleeman, Noah Law, Julian Young

A Major Boost for Green Construction Skills

Cornwall College St Austell has officially launched its Green Construction Skills and Roofing Apprenticeship Academies, marking a major step forward for sustainable construction training in Cornwall.

The new facilities are designed to equip both future professionals and the existing workforce with essential skills in eco-friendly and energy-efficient building technologies. The academies will work closely with leading employers to ensure students receive the training needed to meet the growing demand for sustainable construction practices.

State-of-the-Art Facilities Unveiled

Attendees at the official launch toured the college’s cutting-edge facilities, including:

• Advanced engineering workshops
• EV labs
• Training spaces for ground source and air source heat pumps
• Solar thermal and solar electrical systems
• A dedicated roofing apprenticeship academy

In addition to full apprenticeship programmes, the college is offering short courses to help local professionals upskill in green energy systems. It also plans to introduce Electric Charging Installation courses in the near future.

Backing from Key Figures

The launch was attended by Noah Law, MP for St Austell and Newquay, who cut the ribbon alongside Mayor of St Austell, Julian Young, and Stacey Sleeman, head of Skills at Cornwall Council.

Noah praised the college’s commitment to sustainable construction, saying:

“It’s fantastic to see Cornwall College St Austell taking such a proactive approach in shaping the future of construction in our region. These new academies will not only help meet the growing demand for sustainable building practices but also provide our young people and local workforce with the skills they need to thrive in a green economy.”

“I’m proud to support these efforts and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on the community and the environment.”

Head of Cornwall College St Austell, David Atkinson-Beaumont, also highlighted the importance of the new academies, stating:

“As a community-focused college, we’re dedicated to meeting the needs of our local area while advancing a sustainable economy.”

“These initiatives are a key step in ensuring our workforce is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the demands of a low-carbon future. Through strong partnerships with leading employers and our investment in modern facilities, we are preparing individuals to take the lead in the sustainable construction sector.”

£3.3 Million Investment for Cornwall’s Future

The Green Construction Skills and Roofing Apprenticeship Academies are part of the Construction Skills Hub project, which has received £3.3 million through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme. The funding is managed by Cornwall Council and comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The investment is set to reinforce Cornwall College’s role in leading green skills training, helping to build a sustainable future for Cornwall and beyond.

To find out more about courses available at Cornwall College, visit www.cornwall.ac.uk