College announces plastering course for ‘skills boost’
ST VINCENT COLLEGE have announced that they are launching a new plastering qualification from this September, which aims to build upon an existing and popular course alongside helping to fill an ongoing skills shortage within the area.
This qualification will introduce a Level 2 diploma course that complements the Level 1 training course currently in place from 2021. It comes as the construction sector has been reporting a shortage in skilled workers over recent years and a training need has been identified by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.
Students will be able to start the new qualification later this year with teacher Richard Naunton-Evans saying it should allow a more focused grounding in the basics of plastering and make them more employable. “This is a real opportunity for progression for students who have completed the Level 1 course.”
He continued: “They will learn about rendering, floating walls both inside and out as well as working with a variety of backgrounds and background materials, which will make them more versatile and employable. As an experienced and qualified plasterer myself I am very passionate about teaching the right skill and passing on my knowledge, so to be able to offer this deeper level of teaching is exciting,”
The college remains part of the Lighthouse Learning Trust and are due to see an investment of £75,000 from them, which will be used to expand the teaching space and providing extra equipment for students. It will further see the continued expansion of the college’s construction provision following a £600,000 capital expansion, which was funded by the trust and Department for Education in 2021.
Principal Andy Grant said the trust is committed to expanding this provision because it represents significant investment and huge opportunities for growth; which in turn supports local students to develop industry skills for local employment needs.
The Principal stated: “We listen closely to employers and understand what the job market needs so this is a very worthwhile investment. We already provide excellent teaching but this new qualification will leave students even better prepared to take up apprenticeship or further training opportunities.”
The college has partnered with leading supplier British Gypsum to receive support for the course by supplying £1,500 worth of materials a year. The college is also being supported by trade supplier Refina through discounted tools and materials.
Mr Grant commented on the partnership: “We are delighted to be working alongside British Gypsum and Refina. It’s fantastic they are playing their part in supporting the next generation of trades people here in Gosport and we look forward to establishing further ties with the sector.”
For more information on St Vincent and the range of courses being offered including plastering / construction, readers can explore www.stvincent.ac.uk.
PICTURED BY ST VINCENT COLLEGE: A selection of plastering students develop their skills as part of their ongoing Level 1 course.
