We wanted to use the LSIF funding to improve our engagement with construction employers – particularly around green construction skills. Our aims were to clearly establish employer need/demand more systematically, to update our existing equipment to industry standard and to introduce a range of new green construction courses targeted at apprentices, adults and full cost courses. In the first year we have concentrated on implementing improved systems for employer engagement, consulting with employers on our curriculum and updating equipment to ensure it is at the industry standard. In 2024/25 we will increase our offer of these programmes to learners and employers.
Using our existing specialisms in refrigeration, air conditioning and air source heat pumps the new courses and equipment have been used with our apprentices in 2023/24 to make them more equipped for the workplace and to diversify their skills into new areas. This provision is all within the Engineering, Construction and Built Environment occupational areas within our campuses. We held a useful employer skills forum in February 2024 which has informed our curriculum planning in these areas.
