Warrington & Vale Royal College has celebrated the official opening of its state-of-the-art Construction & Civil Engineering Academy.
This milestone was made possible by a £3.8 million investment from Warrington’s Town Deal, showcasing the college’s commitment to addressing skills shortages and driving innovation in construction and civil engineering.
The event welcomed stakeholders, employer partners, local leaders, and industry representatives, eager to explore the new academy’s potential. Based at the college’s Warrington campus, the facility serves as a hub for advanced learning, equipping students with critical skills for a rapidly evolving industry. Focused on sustainable construction techniques, the Academy addresses sector challenges while fostering economic growth and supporting green skills initiatives.
The event began with networking, followed by formal proceedings in the workshop area. Nichola Newton, Principal and Chief Executive of Warrington & Vale Royal College, warmly welcomed guests and highlighted the Academy’s transformative role in building strong partnerships between students, employers, and industry experts.
Kerry Dowd, Business & Partnerships Manager for the Academy, then shared the Academy’s journey from conception and its plans for the future which includes the Green Technology Hub, set to complete in early 2025 focusing on renewable energies and facilities.
Former HNC Construction Management (HTQ) student, Leanne Fitzsimmons, now an Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Galliford Try, shared her inspiring journey and the pivotal role the college played in her career progression. She said: “Pursuing the HNC was an invaluable opportunity to broaden my understanding of the construction sector. It gave me the chance to explore other disciplines within the industry, such as project management and site operations, which has deepened my appreciation for how these roles interconnect.”
The event’s highlight was the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, performed by Charlotte Nichols MP, symbolising the Academy’s official opening and its commitment to empowering future construction and civil engineering professionals.
Kerry said: “The Construction & Civil Engineering Academy is more than a learning environment – it is a beacon for collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. As it opens its doors to students, Warrington & Vale Royal College reaffirms its mission to transform education into impactful careers while strengthening the local economy and advancing the construction sector.”
Ms Nichols, MP for Warrington North commented: “It was brilliant to officially open the Construction & Civil Engineering Academy at Warrington & Vale Royal College in my capacity as MP and member of the Town Deal Board which secured the investment for its delivery.
“These state of the art facilities, working with local employers in the sector, not only set up students for success but will also help us tackle skills shortages in the industry that hold back the delivery of the infrastructure and growth we all rely on!’
For more information about the Construction & Civil Engineering Academy, please visit: https://wvr.ac.uk/facilities/construction-civil-engineering-academy
