Last month, Huddersfield Giants Ambassador, Eorl Crabtree took time out of his busy schedule to visit the Brunel Construction Centre. He was keen to find out more about the adult courses on offer and also hear more about apprenticeships.
Having set up his own property renovation business, Eorl showed particular interest in the adult plastering courses which take place in the evenings. He was given a tour around the Kirklees College’s Leeds Road facility by Nick Taylor, Curriculum Area Manager for Construction, Scott Stevenson, Plastering Tutor and Governor and Emma Holmes, Marketing Manager.
Brunel Construction Centre, a dedicated learning facility for skilled construction trades, is equipped with industry standard workshops for electrical, joinery, plumbing as well as large brickwork centre and plastering bays.
Nick Taylor, Curriculum Area Manager for Construction said:
“We have seen a huge increase in the demand for adult learning in the construction trades. Our evening classes are really popular and we hope to run more courses in September in areas such as DIY brickwork, DIY joinery and DIY electrical and plumbing. We have had lots of men and women come along to the free classes and recently a husband and wife both attended so they could build a wall at home together.”
Scott Stevenson, Plastering Tutor and Governor said:
“Apprenticeships in construction trades such as bricklaying and plastering are really in demand. Apprentices can earn a really good wage and there has been a surge in opportunities in the Huddersfield area as many businesses and residents are investing in property renovations and extensions.”
Eorl was keen to hear about equality, diversity and inclusion at Brunel Construction Centre and met with a female plastering tutor as well as several of the apprentices in the plastering bays. Eorl explained that his brother Arran Crabtree attended the centre as a plumbing apprentice before setting up his own plumbing and heating business.
Eorl Crabtree, Huddersfield Giants Ambassador said:
“I have really enjoyed my visit and hope to return again soon to learn some new plastering skills on an evening course. It has been great to see a thriving learning environment for the local people of Huddersfield and we can build our partnership with Kirklees College further in the future.”
The specialist adult and part-time courses at Brunel offer the opportunity to upskill or retrain and gain valuable employability skills. The courses range from free community DIY courses right through to advanced professional qualifications such as City & Guilds 18th Edition 2382-18 for Electricians.
To find out more about adult courses and apprenticeship at Brunel Construction Centre please email info@kirkleescollege.ac.uk.