Friday, 10.30am: INCREASED and varied employment opportunities for young people in Skegness have been made available thanks to the expansion of Lincolnshire Regional College.
The college has invested £250,000 into a new workshop for its construction courses after being inundated with applicants.
Construction tutor Simon Muschamp said: "We have spent £250,000 renovating the building next door into a state of the art construction site that will hopefully be up and running for the beginning of term in September."
When the college opened in September 2009 it offered level one construction diplomas in plumbing and electrical installations.
It was estimated each course would have 16 students enrolled and the teaching space was tailored to meet the needs of each of those students.
After receiving double the number of applicants for each course the college acquired a space in an adjacent building on the Heath Road industrial estate and construction has begun on a new and improved practical learning environment.
Starting in September the college will offer its current students a chance to progress onto level two in the plumbing and electrical installation diplomas and new diplomas in brickwork and carpentry and joinery will also be available.
With employment opportunities for young people in Skegness often limited to the traditional industries of tourism and care work, it is encouraging to see more diverse options emerging.
Mr Muschamp said: "We've only been here for a year but people are starting to realise what we are doing.
"So far we've had some great responses but we need other people to know what we offer."
Students on the construction courses are taught an even split of theory and practical lessons.
The teaching facilities utilise modern technology such as smart boards and multimedia technology to show video demonstrations of practical applications of the theory.
In practical sessions in the workshop students can then carry out their theoretical knowledge with real materials.
These lessons range from simple exercises such as the cutting of a copper pipe to full installations of bathroom suites.
As part of the 'every child matters' initiative, tutors also give weekly sessions in staying safe, being healthy, having a positive effect and finding work.
Mock interviews and CV guidance are designed to improve the students confidence and three students from the last course which finished in June have already found work.
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