Stockport College has invested £75,000 in a major upgrade of its electrical training facilities to meet the growing demand from people wishing to become electricians.
The expansion comes at a time when the UK is facing a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople, with electricians among the most in-demand.
By increasing training capacity, and creating 13 new work bays, the College is helping to ensure that students are equipped with the right skills to take advantage of the many opportunities within this thriving sector.
Each new bay has been designed to replicate a real working environment, giving students the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice. With space for two learners per bay, up to 26 students will now be able to take part in practical sessions at the same time, which is a significant boost to the College’s training capacity.
The facilities have been completely reconfigured to support this growth, including the installation of new lighting, power, and electrical rigs. Once the equipment is fully in place, students will be taught a wide range of core industry skills, from fault finding and rewiring a light switch to the installation of full distribution boards. These practical experiences are essential in preparing students for work, apprenticeships, or further study.
The new investment builds on Stockport College’s ongoing commitment to upgrading its facilities, ensuring that learners train in industry-standard environments that mirror the conditions they will encounter in the workplace.
Mark Watson, Director of Premises at the Trafford and Stockport College Group, said: “There is huge demand for people wanting to train as electricians, and these new facilities allow us to meet that challenge head on. By investing in modern, industry-standard work bays, we’re equipping our students with the skills and experience that employers need and helping them build successful careers in a thriving sector.”
This expansion is not only a boost for students but also for local employers who rely on a steady pipeline of qualified, work-ready electricians. As demand for skilled trades continues to rise, Stockport College is positioning itself as a key training provider, ensuring that learners gain both the knowledge and the confidence to succeed.