A new £1m construction training centre in Bicester
It's not just the state of the art facilities, ample parking and access to a full range of tools and materials that make our brand new training centre impressive. We have a full staff of industry experts with extensive experience in a range of trades. They know how it feels to be at the beginning of their career and what it is to continue to develop their skills in a changeable and competitive environment. They're on hand to encourage those just starting out, and to advise and guide more established tradespeople on legislation and re-assessment.
Gas Training and Assessment (ACS) Centre
Our top of the range, brand new gas training and assessment centre contains all the facilities you need to gain the accreditation and certification you need to work as a domestic gas engineer.
Countryfile: A star is born!
Timmy Blake a Level 2 Property Maintenance Apprentice, at our Bicester Construction Centre, was interviewed by Matt Baker on the Countryfile Apprenticeship Special in May.
Blenheim Palace has invested heavily in apprenticeships and we are pleased that they have chosen to work with us not only on Property Maintenance but also other specialisms such as Business Administration.
A wide ranging offer...
For employers: We work closely with employers of all sizes to ensure that the skills we are teaching are up to date and reflect those that are needed in your business. Whether you want to employ an apprentice or find a reliable and high quality training organisation to upskill or re-accredit existing staff members, then we can help.
For apprentices: If you want to kick-start a long-lasting career in the construction sector Bicester Construction Skills Centre can help to connect you to some of the very best employers in Oxfordshire and beyond. You will be learning on the latest, state-of-the-art equipment and our award-winning apprenticeship team will support you throughout your learning journey.
For the community: Bicester Construction Skills Centre also provides training for individuals who want to develop their own DIY skills, or who perhaps want to try something new before considering a change of career.
Staff Profile: Graham Hill
Graham joined the teaching community thirteen years ago having previously been a gas engineer for twelve years. He also managed teams of gas engineers as well as managing a gas training and assessment centre.
Since becoming a lecturer, he has mainly trained and assessed level 3 plumbers and gas engineers, as well as trained and/or assessed qualified gas engineers returning to renew their qualifications.
"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."
Staff Profile: Graham Hill
Graham joined the teaching community thirteen years ago having previously been a gas engineer for twelve years. He also managed teams of gas engineers as well as managing a gas training and assessment centre.
Since becoming a lecturer, he has mainly trained and assessed level 3 plumbers and gas engineers, as well as trained and/or assessed qualified gas engineers returning to renew their qualifications.
"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."
Staff Profile: Robert Laslett
Robert started his career as an apprentice wood worker at British Rail. After completing his indentured apprenticeship he was given a position in the production workshop, where he improved his machining and manufacturing skills, which also involved the programming of a CNC router. He also spent time in the joinery making doors, windows and railway joinery.
Robert left the railways and went into teaching so he could pass on the skills that he had learnt to a new generation of carpenters. Firstly, he worked for Manpower forum where he learnt how to assess NVQs and gained an assessor qualification and internal verifiers award, and achieved a Cert Ed through Bedford University.
"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."
Staff Profile: Robert Laslett
Robert started his career as an apprentice wood worker at British Rail. After completing his indentured apprenticeship he was given a position in the production workshop, where he improved his machining and manufacturing skills, which also involved the programming of a CNC router. He also spent time in the joinery making doors, windows and railway joinery.
Robert left the railways and went into teaching so he could pass on the skills that he had learnt to a new generation of carpenters. Firstly, he worked for Manpower forum where he learnt how to assess NVQs and gained an assessor qualification and internal verifiers award, and achieved a Cert Ed through Bedford University.
"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."
Staff Profile: Mark French - Centre Manager
Mark is a qualified engineer and plumber who spent a number of years working in industry before moving into Further Education nine years ago as a Technician/ Trainer. He taught a mix of full-time students and apprentices at level two and three. He moved on to become Apprenticeship Manager at Abingdon and Witney College, covering areas including construction and engineering.
After a period as Interim Head of Apprenticeships he is now responsible for leading the innovative new Construction Skills Centre in Bicester.
"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.
Staff Profile: Mark French - Centre Manager
Mark is a qualified engineer and plumber who spent a number of years working in industry before moving into Further Education nine years ago as a Technician/ Trainer. He taught a mix of full-time students and apprentices at level two and three. He moved on to become Apprenticeship Manager at Abingdon and Witney College, covering areas including construction and engineering.
After a period as Interim Head of Apprenticeships he is now responsible for leading the innovative new Construction Skills Centre in Bicester.
"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.
Staff Profile: Mark Hurley
Mark has over 30 years experience in the construction industry. He has always been keen to pass on the skills and knowledge that he acquired during his time in the field of carpentry. Having employed apprentices himself when he ran his own business, he knows what employers are looking for and understands the value of the experience gained by students in a setting like Bicester.
"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."
Staff Profile: Mark Hurley
Mark has over 30 years experience in the construction industry. He has always been keen to pass on the skills and knowledge that he acquired during his time in the field of carpentry. Having employed apprentices himself when he ran his own business, he knows what employers are looking for and understands the value of the experience gained by students in a setting like Bicester.
"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."
Staff Profile: Dave Cooknell
Dave has over 30 years experience in carpentry and joinery. The early part of his career was mainly workshop-based producing building joinery (doors, windows, stairs, panelling, internal joinery etc.). Where he worked for local contractors on both new build and listed buildings.
Dave also had his own workshop where he produced hand-made kitchens, fitted and free-standing furniture.
In later years Dave has been site-based, working on smaller building sites, schools, colleges, churches, care homes and the like.
“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.”
Staff Profile: Dave Cooknell
Dave has over 30 years experience in carpentry and joinery. The early part of his career was mainly workshop-based producing building joinery (doors, windows, stairs, panelling, internal joinery etc.). Where he worked for local contractors on both new build and listed buildings.
Dave also had his own workshop where he produced hand-made kitchens, fitted and free-standing furniture.
In later years Dave has been site-based, working on smaller building sites, schools, colleges, churches, care homes and the like.
“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.”
Staff Profile: Rob Anderson
Rob started his career as an apprentice gas maintenance engineer and moving into central heating installations at British Gas. He then spent ten years working as a Safety Assurance Engineer (SAE) and lead carbon monoxide (CO) incident investigator on behalf of the Health & Safety Executive.
After 21-years he moved to Crowcon Detection Instruments, where he started in the technical support team providing global clients with expert technical information, delivering training, and with identifying suitable and sufficient solutions to help lower their associated flammable, toxic gas and oxygen related risks and safety concerns. He then moved into account management where his skills and experience in the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) industries enabled successful management and business development of national (multi-million pound) accounts and gas training centres.
Rob continues to champion carbon monoxide awareness/safety and remains Gas Safe registered. He is recognised by IGEM (Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers) and by The Engineer Council professional organisations as an engineering technician (EngTech MIGEM).
"I have always wanted to go into teaching to give back to the industry that I have dedicated my working life to, and to positively inspire and encourage the future generation of plumbers and gas engineers; not only to be successful in their chosen careers but to inspire my students to reach further. With this in the forefront of my mind, I accepted the challenge and opportunity of a lifetime to go into teaching at Abingdon & Witney College."
Did you know?
Conor
The teaching, facilities and resources are excellent! It’s all brand-new and of the highest quality.
We’ve been building up our skills, learning: pipe-bending, soldering, working with steel pipe-work. We’ve also looked at solvent welds and waste management.
All-in-all I’ve learnt a lot in quite a short space of time. This course was a career change for me and the possibility of a better life for me and my family is my prime motivation!
Conor
The teaching, facilities and resources are excellent! It’s all brand-new and of the highest quality.
We’ve been building up our skills, learning: pipe-bending, soldering, working with steel pipe-work. We’ve also looked at solvent welds and waste management.
All-in-all I’ve learnt a lot in quite a short space of time. This course was a career change for me and the possibility of a better life for me and my family is my prime motivation!
Morgan
I completed the Level 2 Site Carpentry course and have progressed to the Level 3 programme.
I’m employed at Sporn Construction in Bicester who handle a lot of restoration work. They felt that offering me the opportunity to be qualified in traditional techniques such as: cut roofs and staircases, as well as complex roof structures would mean I was recognised for my work as an asset to the company.
The College has really helped me develop; the knowledgeable staff give me confidence that I’m learning the correct skills and are 'firm but fair'!
Morgan
I completed the Level 2 Site Carpentry course and have progressed to the Level 3 programme.
I’m employed at Sporn Construction in Bicester who handle a lot of restoration work. They felt that offering me the opportunity to be qualified in traditional techniques such as: cut roofs and staircases, as well as complex roof structures would mean I was recognised for my work as an asset to the company.
The College has really helped me develop; the knowledgeable staff give me confidence that I’m learning the correct skills and are 'firm but fair'!
Adam
I’ve already completed my Level 2 Site Carpentry and have now progressed onto the Level 3 programme.
I work for Benfield & Locksley Construction in Oxford. They’ve been very supportive and as far as they are concerned a qualified workforce is an asset!
I’m really enjoying the course and there are lots of opportunities to challenge yourself. Last term we had the opportunity to teach the Level 2 students which helped me to build my confidence, be organised and focus on how to communicate a problem and then demonstrate how to solve it!
Adam
I’ve already completed my Level 2 Site Carpentry and have now progressed onto the Level 3 programme.
I work for Benfield & Locksley Construction in Oxford. They’ve been very supportive and as far as they are concerned a qualified workforce is an asset!
I’m really enjoying the course and there are lots of opportunities to challenge yourself. Last term we had the opportunity to teach the Level 2 students which helped me to build my confidence, be organised and focus on how to communicate a problem and then demonstrate how to solve it!
Hector
I think the facilities here are amazing, everything is brand new and easily accessible. The bays and workstations have been really well thought out and are easy to use and practical.
I’ve been learning the basics at the moment; pipe bending and joining and the principles of plumbing.
But it’s not all plumbing - we’ve also been studying customer interaction and behaviour which has been very useful. It's taken me a while to get the right apprenticeship , so now I’m on the course I'm definitely going to make the most of it!
Hector
I think the facilities here are amazing, everything is brand new and easily accessible. The bays and workstations have been really well thought out and are easy to use and practical.
I’ve been learning the basics at the moment; pipe bending and joining and the principles of plumbing.
But it’s not all plumbing - we’ve also been studying customer interaction and behaviour which has been very useful. It's taken me a while to get the right apprenticeship , so now I’m on the course I'm definitely going to make the most of it!
