On this day one year ago, East Coast College cut the ribbon on its new £11.3m Energy Skills Centre offering a one stop shop for energy, maritime and related sector training to the region and beyond.
Based at the college’s Lowestoft campus, the centre provides clear progression pathways from Level 3 through to higher level study programmes and apprenticeships, while offering courses for commercial customers who want to upskill and develop their staff’s technical and management competencies and qualifications.
As we celebrate the first anniversary, the college reflects on the centre’s successful year in numbers.
- 12 new job opportunities including training associates in energy and three lecturer positions.
- 546 students and 213 apprentices accessing the world-class facilities.
- Two new partnerships with Maersk and Total Solutions.
- 621 delegates on short courses covering emergency response, CompEx training, first aid and safety courses.
- 179 different companies visiting.
- Host for 13 regional events including EEEGR, Workboat Association, ECITB regional forums and NAAME event.
- Engaged with 29 new companies to provide training support.
- Provided 19 new courses to support energy, engineering and marine sectors including AEC1 engine course, mental health awareness, behavioural safety, engineering fitter apprenticeship and apprenticeship selection days.
- Hosted the energy skills event for EEEGR which saw over 600 young people from Norfolk and Suffolk attend a range of interactive activities with employers.
Despite the recent challenges faced by the Covid-19, the Energy Skills Centre has seen a positive first year. The centre will continue to offer employer training to meet current needs as well as tailored programmes to meet the changes needs that are facing us.
Rachel Bunn, East Coast College Assistant Principal for Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement