Bicester Construction Skills Centre

"I have been very lucky to have had the opportunity to help design the new gas training and assessment centre in Bicester. I am currently installing the equipment which will support the apprentices learning experience. I am looking forward to meeting the local employers and their apprentices who will join our new centre when it opens.

We are building some of the best facilities in the area which will support the students’ learning and provide them with the widest possible experience in the industry.

The apprentices will have access to some of the latest appliances and training material thanks to direct links with manufacturers such as Worcester Bosch."

"I enjoy being able to pass skills and knowledge onto a new generation of carpenters, and the buzz I get when they complete work on their own to a high standard. I also like building relationships with the students and watching them grow in confidence both in their carpentry skills but also as young people ready for the workplace.

They can grow as a person, improving their confidence and social skills learning from other students, qualifying their understanding through activities and practical application within the classroom and workshops. This builds the camaraderie between students making for a positive learning experience."

"The best thing about working at the college is working closely with apprentices and employers to help them achieve their goals, whatever their backgrounds and previous experience. As a former apprentice myself I remember that so much of the knowledge I gained at college was not relevant in the workplace, so making sure that we deliver high quality training that makes a difference in the workplace is really important to me.

Particularly for apprentices who are working in SMEs, college provides the opportunity to talk to other apprentices in similar positions to get a broader understanding of how it feels to be an apprentice. For some students it can also be a really big jump into the workplace, and college provides a really important bridge between school or full-time college, and work.

"The best aspect of teaching at the College is that lightbulb moment!

When you explain to a student a different method, or how to achieve a certain task an easier way, and you see them 'get it' and understand the process.

I think the most important benefit a student can get from coming to College is the practical skill set of our courses, where they can stand back and see the end product of their achievements."

“It’s vital that earlier generations pass on skills acquired over the years to following generations. A fully equipped modern workshop together with ‘state of the art’ teaching facilities provides an ideal teaching/learning environment.

The College provides excellent support throughout, every student is individual, the staff will ensure each receives care and support to develop the skills needed to succeed in their chosen career.”