New Technical Training Centre in St Blazey Seeks Final £80k to Open in 2025

A not-for-profit training centre in St Blazey could open next year – but only if its crowdfunding campaign succeeds

A unique technical training centre aiming to tackle the skills shortage in Cornwall and beyond is on track to open in September 2025 – but still needs to raise £80,000 to get over the line.

MPower Kernow C.I.C., based at St Blazey Railway Yard, has spent the last four years transforming a semi-derelict site into a functioning facility designed to give young people practical experience in engineering, construction and “green” technologies.

With support from a mix of volunteers, local tradespeople, and national companies including BAM, Network Rail and GWR, the team has already delivered a working workshop, classroom, welfare spaces, and even restored a Grade 2* listed railway turntable.

That turntable – brought back into working order by MPower in 2023 – was officially reopened by none other than the Flying Scotsman. It now stands as the centrepiece of the site and will be used as an Industrial Structure Maintenance Simulator, helping to teach in-demand skills.

Focusing on Cornish young people

The new centre, called Skills 4 Cornish Industry (S4CI), is aimed especially at those who are NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training), neurodiverse or from disadvantaged backgrounds. Located on the rail network at St Blazey, the site is accessible to learners from across Cornwall and beyond.

“This should act as inspiration to industry of what can be achieved,” said Richard Watts, Director for Rail at BAM. “Attracting and retaining young and new engineering talent is going to be one of the biggest challenges of the next decade in engineering.”

MPower’s founder and CEO Duncan Mitchell said: “The help we have received recently, particularly from BAM, has been invaluable. They have given us significant financial backing, donated materials and provided professional support. However, to enable MPower to complete the work and enable young people under the age of 18 to access the site from September, we still require in the region of £80,000.”

A crowdfunding campaign is now live to help raise the remaining funds. You can support the project here:
👉 https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/introducing-young-people-to-engineering

A hands-on route to success

MPower’s approach is rooted in practical, vocational training that offers an alternative to academic learning. Working alongside schools, community groups, training organisations and government, the programme is designed to guide learners from complete novice through to employment or further technical education.

“There is a pressing need for vocational training in order to address the UK’s technical skills shortage,” said Duncan. “By introducing people to basic technical concepts and practical learning at an early age, we can spark their passion for engineering and construction, and build a skilled workforce for the future.”

The organisation has already seen success stories. One former NEET learner, Austin, began as a volunteer, completed a level 2 engineering course with distinctions, and now works as a fully qualified welder while studying for an HND.

National recognition for a Cornish team effort

The project has already picked up national attention. The restoration of the historic railway turntable won the National Railway Heritage Award for Partnership Working, recognising the team’s collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders.

By combining heritage preservation with future-focused training, MPower is hoping to offer what it calls “lessons that last a lifetime” to young people in Cornwall.

To find out more or support the campaign, visit:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/introducing-young-people-to-engineering