Coleg y Cymoedd’s Ystrad Mynach campus is set for a seven-figure sum investment to create a centre of excellence for construction students to learn their trade.
The £1.4 million facility is set to open its doors next autumn, as the state-of-the-art training facility aims to meet the growing demands of the Welsh construction industry.
The existing curriculum is set to be expanded to include brickwork, plumbing , plastering, and a gas training – which will be held in a brand new, accredited gas assessment facility.
There are further plans to expand into other areas of teaching, such as painting and decorating. Short courses to help students to achieve sector-standard qualifications will also be offered to ensure they are equipped with the skills needed for future careers.
The project, which is equally joint funded by Coleg y Cymoedd and the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools programme, will include an extension to the current construction building and upgrades to equipment.
Judith Evans, Principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “We are thrilled to announce our exciting plans for the Construction Centre of Excellence at our Ystrad Mynach campus. Coleg y Cymoedd is committed to providing our learners with access to the latest industry standard technologies and focused training programmes.
“With its range of modern facilities, the new centre will provide a valuable resource for both learners and employers across South Wales, ensuring young people leave college highly skilled to meet the needs of industry. We look forward to unveiling the project next year.”
Construction work on the extension will run alongside classes while upgrades to existing facilities will take place over the summer to minimise disruption to pupils.
Construction work on the site is set to begin in March and is due to be completed in September, subject to planning approval.