Construction partner announced for Able sponsored college

Posted on the : 17th June 2014

Able UK Ltd is behind a new University Technical College for 14-19 year olds. The college has a specific focus on renewable engineering and will provide the future tenants of Humber Ports Port with a ready made supply of suitably skilled apprentices and graduates. Over two years of hard work with partners has made the college a reality with the Department for Education supporting the college with over £10m of new funding.

Able’s David Shepherd is Chair of the Humber UTC Board and said “The Humber has scores of local people to work in the facilities that will be created on AHP. The Humber UTC is just one of many skills interventions that are needed to connect our people with industry.”

As UK Government and developers of renewable projects such as DONG Energy, East Anglia Offshore Wind and Forewind reinforce their strong desire for more UK content, it is important that initiatives such as the Humber UTC are set-up to prepare people with the right skills to undertake the activity.

Able Group Development Director Neil Etherington said, “AHP is a transformational port development that will shape the regions future for years to come. As a port operator and developer we don’t usually get involved with initiatives in the education sector but AHP is different – we want it to change the lives of people in the local area and provide them with sustainable jobs and careers.”

Up to 150 jobs are now set to be created in Northern Lincolnshire after Clugston Construction won the £9.5 million contract to build the town’s new Humber University Technical College (UTC). Work will start in August on the UTC at the site of the former Scunthorpe Leisure Centre in Carlton Street.

It will create scores of construction and design jobs, while on completion the college will employ 70 staff, teaching up to 600 students engineering and renewable energy skills.

Supported by Able UK Ltd, TATA Steel, Centrica Storage and the University of Hull, it is set to open in September 2015 for youngsters aged between 14 and 19.

Rod Fry, Clugston’s construction director, said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to work for the Local Education Partnership, North Lincolnshire Council and the UTC on this significant local project.

“Over the years Clugston has been involved in delivering several major schemes in this, our home town, which has enabled us to support local employment and suppliers.

“We look forward to finalising details with the LEP and starting work.”

Council leader Councillor Liz Redfern said: “The new UTC will be built in the heart of the town centre where the former leisure centre stood in Church Square – close to the shops, library, market and the 20-21 Visual Art Centre.

“It will create a massive boost to the town.

“Using local contractors means a great deal. We are able to keep jobs local, and use local sub-contractors and suppliers.

“The UTC will, without doubt, help revive our town centre and give young people a fantastic opportunity to learn.”

Richard AEPort, the general manager of the Local Education Partnership (LEP), said: “Working with North Lincolnshire Council, we will draw on our established supply chain to deliver a locally resourced building.

“With Clugston Construction being a supply chain partner to the LEP, we will use local sub-contractors and suppliers. This is a fantastic opportunity for local companies and we look forward to working with the council and other partners on this huge development.”

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