LEPLEP SkillsSkills Capital Capital Fund Fund 2017/18 2017/18
nd Detailed 2 Stage Skills
Capital Funding Application
Construction Skills Centre Health and Active
Living Skills Centre
April 2017
West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
Executive Summary
West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
West of England Construction Skills Centre - Executive Summary Weston College is proposing the creation of a highly industry-focused Infrastructure Construction Skills Centre to address the shortage of infrastructure construction and civils skills training in the WE LEP area in response to clear employer demand. Construction employers and trade organisations have been fully engaged in informing the building design, curriculum and qualifications. As a result the College will develop and deliver flexible training programmes from the new facility to meet the sector’s requirements, including full time vocational training routes, apprenticeships, programmes for the unemployed and high quality CPD routes. The five acre site is ideally located close to the M5, within the J21 Enterprise Area in Weston-super-Mare and easily accessible to learners across the wider region. The modular building design offers adaptability to training needs and location. In addition to indoor civils and scaffolding workshops, classrooms, offices, cafe and facilities, the extensive exterior area will enable groundworks and heavy plant training, all delivered in a realistic, inspirational environment. Plant maintenance training will be provided from the College’s existing Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence. Project Aims Create an industry-standard infrastructure construction skills centre to meet the needs of employers in the construction sector from across the wider West of England region by January 2019. Develop over 20 new programmes in response to employer demand, helping to bridge the skills gap and support regional projects by July 2021. Increase construction skills capacity - Provide skills training to 3,700 learners by July 2022 with target groups including 16 -18 year olds, 19+ learners, apprentices, employed and unemployed people. Deliver apprenticeship growth – Create an additional 160 additional apprenticeships, helping to meet the Government apprenticeship agenda Through strategic partnership with UWE, we will create a complete learning pathway for learners from entry levels to higher levels in the West of England for the infrastructure construction sector. As the only infrastructure skills training provision in the WE LEP area, the Centre will provide a pathway from feeder schools and colleges across the region, encouraging young people into the sector.
Project Commencement: March 2017 Ready for Occupation: December 2019
Project Cost and Funding Total project cost - £5,421,222 Match funding - £2,150,000 LEP Grant sought - £3,271,222 (60%) The new Construction Skills Centre will provide a unique regional specialist resource for Infrastructure Construction training which complements the existing traditional construction trades training delivered in the West of England. The Centre will enable the construction sector to access the skilled workforce it requires to deliver significant infrastructure projects across the next ten years, including Hinkley Point C.
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West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
INDEX
Executive Summary Completed Detailed Application Form Appendices: 1.8 Options Appraisal 1.10 Internal / Third Party Scheme Review 2.1 Accommodation Strategy 2.5i Cost Breakdown Proforma 2.5ii Capital Equipment Costing Sheet 2.8 Heads of Terms 2.9 Developed Design Drawings & Site Plan 4.1i Investment Appraisal – Preferred Option 4.2 Financial Plan 4.3 Monthly Expenditure Template 4.5 Governing Body Minutes 4.7 Letter from Bank 4.8 Letter from Chief Financial Officer 5.1 Project Programme 5.6i Capital Build Project Team Organogram 5.6ii Operational Delivery Team Organogram 6.2 Risk Register
A Letters of Support B Post-Build Monitoring and Evaluation Plan C Employer Engagement Strategy D Latest Audited Accounts E Evidence of Cash Reserves
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West of England LEP Skills Capital Funding - Detailed Application Form
Date of issue: 30th Jan 2017
Publication intent NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED
Following on from the Local Growth Deal announcements by Central Government the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (WE LEP) are now initiating the second stage of the West of England Skills Capital Funding application process for projects which will start in 2016/17. Colleges who submitted a successful Expression of Interest for 2016/17 Skills Capital Projects to the WE LEP in January 2015 are now formally invited to submit a second stage application.
Please complete and submit this Detailed Application form in accordance with the WE LEP Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Application Guidance document by 1.00pm on Friday 7th April 2017.
Please return the following: one signed electronic copy of the completed application form and required supporting information submitted to [email protected] (please note that if your email exceeds 30mb in size the electronic copies of documentation should be provided on CD to the address stated below)
Henry Lawes Skills Capital West of England LEP Engine Shed Temple Meads Bristol BS1 6QH
If you have any queries relating to the technical aspects of the application process please send them to [email protected] (the answers to any queries raised will also be shared with other providers taking part in this process).
To be eligible for the Skills Capital Fund, applicants must submit Detailed Applications and supplementary financial information using the correct application forms and templates downloaded from the www.gov.uk/government/publications/sfa- capital-funding-support-for-leps
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Applicant Contact Information Applicant Name: Weston College of Further and Higher Education
Applicant Address: Knightstone Road, Weston super Mare, BS23 2AL
Applicant Contact Name Jo Watson, Executive Director Business Growth and Job Title:
Contact Telephone: 01934 411647 / 07786540387
Contact Email: [email protected]
Section 1: Project Details Title of Project: West of England Construction Skills Centre 1.1 Project Summary: 1.2 Project Summary –Provide a brief summary of the proposed project, including: project overview, summary of aims and objectives, anticipated target beneficiaries/groups and what quantifiable and tangible outcomes are likely to be achieved. maximum 100 words
In response to clear employer demand, Weston College will create a unique Construction Skills Centre offering infrastructure, civils, scaffolding, plant operation and maintenance skills training.
Located at M5 J21 Enterprise Area, the Centre will be highly accessible, meeting the needs of employers and learners from across the West of England area, located close to key infrastructure projects across the wider West of England area, including Hinkley C.
Training will focus on the requirements of the infrastructure construction sector, including apprenticeships, offering career pathways for a diversity of learners into employment.
After 3 full operational years we aim to train over 3700 participants across employed and unemployed young people (16+) and adults and apprentices, presenting a dynamic response to current and projected skills demand. This will be a unique outstanding facility as currently this provision is not offered anywhere in the WE LEP area despite strong employer demand.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Total Project Cost: 1.3 £5,421,222
Grant Requested: Please detail your £3,271,222 Percentage [60% ] of total project costs financial grant request and what this represents as a percentage of the 2016/17 Grant £8000 total project costs. 2016/17 Match 0 2016/17 Total £8000 Please also provide details of the breakdown of grant / match over the 2017/18 Grant £1,392,000 project lifetime. 2017/18 Match £1,550,000 1.4 2017/18 Total £2,942,000
*Please note we would 2018/19 Grant £1,871,222 normally expect the proposed project to be 2018/19 Match £600,000 2018/19 Total £2,471,222 delivered within a two year window.
Exact Location of Land adjacent to Locking Head Farm Project: Locking Farm Drove 1.5 Weston-super-Mare BS24 7NA
In the J21 Enterprise Area
Is the project also No located within an adjoining LEP area? 1.6 If Yes, state the name of the LEP and summarise the outcome of any dialogue held with the LEP regarding the proposed project.
maximum 200 words Changes in project since c Expression of Interest At Expression of Interest: submission: 1.7 Total Project cost: £ 6,450,000 Grant requested: £ 3,225,000 Percentage - 50% of total project *Please see section 3.3 costs – 3.5 of the accompanying The project HAS been subject to any material changes since submission Application Guidance of the Expression of Interest – (delete as appropriate). form
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Since the Expression of Interest there have been changes in the proposal, relating to site location, delivery location for plant maintenance training, change in match funding and spend profile between financial years. The changes have a robust rationale with beneficial impact on project cost, value and outcomes. These changes have been discussed with LEP officers.
1. Project Location
Initially Weston College had agreed with YTL Land and Property UK, the tier one developer of the Filton Airfield site, to use land at that site on a 10-15 year lease. Our proposal at Detailed 2nd Stage application is to locate the Construction Skills Centre on land within the M5 Junction 21 Enterprise Area.
The rationale behind the change of location is as follows:
Following feedback from the LEP at first stage proposal, it became clear that in light of West of England recommendations from Area Review, the LEP would not support any projects which may lead to duplication of skills provision in a geographical area. There was concern about the proposed YTL site at Filton Airfield being in close proximity to another college which offers construction training, even though the proposed new Centre focuses on Infrastructure Construction skills, which is not offered elsewhere in the WE region currently.
North Somerset Council is keen to support the development of the new Skills Construction Centre and were able to commit a 5 acre site at M5 Junction 21 Enterprise Area which offers strong benefits in terms of location, size, accessibility, flexibility and fitness for purpose. By basing the Centre in close proximity to the College’s existing estate, there are clear benefits to the learner as they will be able to also access the facilities on the other College sites easily.
As the land is owned by North Somerset Council, who are giving their full backing to the project we are confident of smooth progression of the planning permission process.
2. Location of provision of plant maintenance training
At expression of interest we intended to provide the plant maintenance training at the new Construction Skills Centre along with all other civils, ground works and plant operations training. We are now intending to deliver the plant maintenance element at Weston College’s Construction and
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Engineering Centre of Excellence at its South West Skills Campus, making full use of existing facilities on that site which support plant maintenance training. This has become possible due to the change in location of the Centre, which will now be a short distance from the Construction and Engineering Centre. This brings efficiencies to the proposed build as we are able to use existing facilities and avoid duplication of investment.
There will be very limited impact on learners by splitting the offer between two sites as the plant maintenance is a very different training programme to the plant operation or any of the other programmes being offered at the new Construction Skills Centre, so there would be very little need to travel between sites.
3. Level of Match Funding The level of match funding has reduced from the Stage 1 application from £3,225,000 to £2,150,000. This is as a result of moving location of the site from Filton Airfield to the J21 Enterprise Area. The value of the land, which is being counted towards the match element, is much lower at the new site than at the original Filton Airfield site. The College is still committing £600,000 of cash match funding and the value of the existing facilities at South West Skills Campus which will be used for the Plant Maintenance training delivery. The level of cash contribution has remained consistent between Stage 1 and 2.
4. Profile of spend between financial years Following detailed planning to prepare the Stage 2 application, it has become necessary to profile the spend of Skills Capital grant differently, resulting in a lower proportion of grant spent in 2017/18 and a higher level spent in 2018/19 compared to the Stage 1 application. This has no impact on the overall grant requested.
Options Appraisal What options for the project have been considered (include ‘do 1.8 nothing’/’do minimum’)?
Weston College considered a number of possibilities in the early stages of the project and has continually reviewed these through the process to ensure the correct option is selected with the strongest impact on project objectives and minimised risk. Please see attached Appendix 1.8 Options Appraisal.
The options considered were:
Option 1 : Do nothing / Minimum There is strong evidence of need for infrastructure skills training in the WE LEP and South West area to meet current and future project needs. This has
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
been reaffirmed by employers, CITB and LEP. See letters of support as evidence in Appendix A
As the only Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ FE/HE College in the LEP area, Weston College is excellently positioned to deliver the training provision required to help address these skills gaps, both in terms of training quality and geographic location and to support the economic growth of the region.
However, whilst the College has good facilities for general construction trade training on a small scale, it has no current capacity to offer the types of skills training the industry needs – groundworks, civils, heavy plant operations and scaffolding.
If Weston College takes the ‘do nothing’ option, there is no other provider in the WE LEP area in a position to deliver the required skills training and the skills gap issue will remain unaddressed. The new Construction Training Centre in BANES funded by the LEP does not specialise in infrastructure construction.
Weston College sees this project as an opportunity to build on its construction training competencies, optimise its strong employer relations and make a real impact on the number and quality of infrastructure-skilled operatives in the construction sector. At the same time, by engaging with school and college leavers, working in partnership with other providers and offering the opportunity for high quality training we want to attract more young people into the sector and promote the infrastructure construction sector as a strong career opportunity.
Option 2 : Use existing site / facilities The project requires large workshops and exterior groundworks land which is not available in the College’s existing estate.
Option 3 : Joint project with another training provider No other training providers have the facilities required in the LEP area and it was felt that the more complex management model and management of training quality posed a risk to the project. There is a need to move quickly to respond to urgent training requirements of the sector. A joint provider partnership approach would have the potential of slowing down the response time.
Option 4 : Joint approach with employer : Whilst this option was considered at the early stages of the project with YTL, main developers of the Filton Airfield site, in light of West of England recommendations from Area Review, it became clear that the LEP would be
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
unable to support a project that may lead to duplication of skills provision in a geographical area. There was concern about the proposed YTL site at Filton Airfield being in in close proximity to another college that offers construction training. This option has therefore been dismissed as no other employer we are currently working with is able to offer any further resources.
Option 5 : Offer of land from North Somerset Council with good access to M5
North Somerset Council is offering land within the M5 J21 Enterprise Area accessible to a very wide range of businesses based across the West of England and in close proximity to significant regional infrastructure projects, such as Hinkley C.
Why has the current option been selected?
The current option, Option 5, is to create a new Infrastructure Construction Skills Centre within the M5 J21 Enterprise Area on land owned by North Somerset Council.
Weston College have a strong track record of working in partnership with the Council and are therefore confident of their ongoing support (see the letter of support at Appendix A).
This option enables the College, with the support of the LEP, to develop a bespoke training centre designed specifically around the needs of employers across the WE area to support the level of current and future infrastructure construction projects, particularly Hinkley C and ultimately the economic growth of the region.
It enables the College to provide high quality skills training to learners across the LEP region, complementing the existing provision at other colleges and providers, and to be a flagship and unique infrastructure construction skills training centre in the area.
The site offered by North Somerset Council is easily accessible to the M5 and in close proximity to Hinkley C and other projects.
The proposed option provides the best value for money for the LEP as the College will utilise its facilities at the Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence at the South West Skills Campus in Weston-super-Mare for the delivery of the Plant Maintenance training. Many of the facilities required for this specialist training are already based at the site and with the close proximity of the new Centre at J21, it makes best use of resources to base this element of delivery at the South West Skills Campus.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Have you applied for, or are you in the process of applying for, other funding for this project (if so, please provide details on source, amount, decision timescale etc.)?
No.
Which alternatives to Skills Capital Funding did you explore but discount, and why were they rejected?
The College does not have the capacity to fully self-fund this project and any additional loan facilities have been deemed to be too high risk from the College’s Governing Body, due to the scale of expansion that the College has undertaken in the last 10 years.
A consequence of the existing market failure results in employers from the construction sector being unwilling or unable to contribute funds to the level of investment required at this time.
As the SFA no longer provides capital funding, the project was reviewed to establish viability for a Skills Capital funding application to the LEP where a joint investment between the College and the LEP would facilitate the creation of a significant new skills asset for the region.
Engagement and Please provide details of any meaningful engagement and/or Consultation consultation with partners and stakeholders that has been undertaken 1.9 to date relating to the project?
Please note: Partners and stakeholders may maximum 300 words include local authorities, employers, industry Weston College is proactively involved in WE LEP discussions around key bodies, learners, skills priorities and the need to bridge the skills gap across construction skills, schools, other providers (FE, Independent and in particular infrastructure-focused. HE etc) The Executive Director for Business Growth has been chairing the LEP FE Provider Construction Group with the 4 West of England FE Colleges, to ensure collaboration with employers and key stakeholders such as CITB. This regular forum has ensured that the College has taken a cohesive approach in its discussions with the LEP Skills Team and employers over the last 12 months, identifying the need for construction skills training and its strategic fit to LEP priorities.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Throughout the project Weston College has proactively engaged with key stakeholders, employers and trade bodies, including Churngold, Galliford Try, Dancourt, Tercon, Alun Griffiths, Dawnus and SGB Scaffolding, B&NES Bristol City, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Councils. We have also met with trade bodies including Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Hinkley Point Training Agency and CITB, with an informative visit to CITB’s national training centre in Kings Lynn.
This engagement has informed all stages of the project relating to building design, curriculum development, equipment & facilities’ specification, together with opportunities for curriculum enrichment. In response, the College will deliver and develop flexible training, via employability and vocational training routes, work-based apprenticeships and quality CPD routes.
What future engagement/consultation relating to the project is planned? Who are the key stakeholders and how will they be involved in bringing the project forwards?
Senior representatives from the above organisations will continue to inform key strands of project development which will include curriculum development to ensure validity and relevance, ensuring resources are industry standard and meet the needs of the developing workforce, and will support aspirations to position the Construction Sector as an attractive career option to young people and adults in the wider West of England area through our collaborations with other colleges and providers. This engagement and consultation will include one to one meetings, events and advisory group meetings. The stakeholder group will review skills requirements, training provision, feedback on changes to sector policies, and identify areas for closer collaboration (ie: work placements). Consultation will include working with employer members of the developing groundworks apprenticeship standard Trailblazer group to ensure we are able to commence delivery as early as possible. We will also be working with CECA to gain member feedback on skills training requirements, which includes SMEs.
Key stakeholders include employers from across the West of England as listed above, North Somerset Council, WE LEP, CITB, CECA and potential learners. Project Assurance Please provide details of any internal or third party assurance/peer 1.10 review of the scheme or elements (e.g. cost review) undertaken. If
applicable please provide a copy of the independent review report.
As part of the overall College Governance strategy, all capital projects are internally reviewed at governor level. This bid was reviewed by members of the College Capital Project Working Party. Their internal review is attached in Appendix 1.10
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
maximum 200 words Has the project Delete as applicable: previously been No considered by the Skills Funding Agency or other If Yes, state the outcome and any subsequent changes made to the project. funding bodies? 1.11 maximum 250 words
Relationship to other How does this project relate to, complement and avoid duplication with facilities/organisations: other facilities/organisations in the West of England (i.e. feeder schools, 1.12 studio schools, UTCs, Higher Education Institutions and private training
providers)?
maximum 250 words
There are no other training facilities in the WE LEP area for infrastructure construction, hence no duplication. Bridgwater College, Somerset, offers construction training, but still insufficient to meet demand, with many employers turning to Wales-based providers for training or sending employees to the CITB Training Centre in Norfolk, at considerable cost.
The employability need for civils/infrastructure skills has been identified within the LEP Skills Plan, and therefore discussions were held with the 4 West of England Colleges, private training providers, CITB and employers in September 2016 to assess the level of readiness in the region to respond to the sector’s skills shortages in the region. It was clear that there was no capability in the West of England for infrastructure construction training and that no development would be brought forward without investment in facilities and capability of the provider base. This project seeks to address this skills gap by developing the capability and expertise in the region.
To date Weston College has chaired the Construction Skills FE Provider Group with representation from all four West of England Colleges, LEP and CITB with the aim of sharing best practice and joint problem solving. Weston College will continue to actively collaborate with the other colleges in the region to minimise duplication of provision.
Other colleges and training providers offer traditional construction programmes offering learners the opportunity to progress into infrastructure construction in the West of England as a result of this project. Weston College works actively with a wide network of schools and CEIAG providers to ensure a strong feeder route into the new Centre and encourage young
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
people into construction. We will provide taster days at the new Centre for school age learners to support CEIAG and progression.
We work in close strategic partnership with UWE to ensure all our construction programmes at Level 3 to 5 lead onto Level 6 programmes at UWE, ensuring a complete progression pathway from entry levels to higher levels in the West of England for the infrastructure construction sector.
How does this project relate to any other capital development(s) in the vicinity (including non-skills investments and developments carried out by yourself or other parties) which might impact on the project?
This project is entirely driven by the need to respond to the skills needs of other current and planned capital developments in the wider region. The LEP has identified clearly the risk to the construction sector and wider economic growth of the region of not ensuring there is skilled workforce in place to support the development of key infrastructure projects such as Hinkley Point C, Filton Airfield, Temple Meads Station, Bristol Airport and the Enterprise areas. The new Construction Skills Centre will address precisely this risk.
The new West of England Construction Skills Centre will complement the development of the Future Technologies Centre at the College’s South West Skills Campus completed in 2016, which was supported by the LEP. The Future Technologies Centre included developing capability for Civil Engineering from levels 2 to higher education. That provision is now being delivered at all levels as Apprenticeships, including Higher Apprenticeships. The new Centre will complement that development by enabling further specialisation into groundworks, scaffolding, plant operation and maintenance.
Through continual LEP and wider employer engagement, the College will ensure that the project complements existing and future capital investment activity as detailed in the LEP Strategic Economic Plan.
maximum 250 words
Section 2: Estate Need Estate Need: d 2.1 Applicants are required to submit a copy of the College’s latest estate strategy with this detailed application.
maximum 750 words
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Please see Weston College’s latest Accommodation Strategy is attached in Appendix 2.1.
How the project relates to the college’s estate strategy and strategic objectives. The strategy details the growing demographic trends putting pressure on capacity, particularly within one of the key priority areas - construction.
Weston College seeks to provide accommodation which adapts speedily and flexibly to changes in LEP priorities, demand in learner numbers and employer requirements. The strategy directly refers to the requirement for increased accommodation to deliver infrastructure skills training, in response to LEP skills priorities, CITB research and employer demand, driven by the high level of current and future planned construction projects in the West of England LEP and wider region.
There are currently no facilities in the WE LEP area to provide sufficient construction skills training particularly focussed on civil engineering, groundworks and scaffolding, and no existing space within the college estate. Therefore investment is needed in a new dedicated centre to accommodate this specialist skills provision.
The College’s estate strategy is entirely focused on ensuring learners have access to industry standard facilities to support our staff in providing an outstanding learning experience. This project fits with delivering that ambition.
Intended achievements and key drivers for the project
The College is experiencing an ever-increasing demand for infrastructure construction courses and greater capacity is needed to meet and the required apprenticeship growth.
The key drivers for the project are based upon an identified shortage of construction operatives, particularly in civil engineering in the WE LEP and wider South West area, coupled with high demand from employers. The project will help meet LEP and CITB construction sector forecasts and bridge the skills gap for construction projects.
It will enable Weston College to deliver the training and qualifications required by employers across the WE and beyond to satisfy identified skills gaps, in an inspirational and realistic work setting. Training provision will include apprenticeships and short courses for 16-18 year olds, 19+, employees, apprentices, those seeking employment.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Courses will include a range of heavy plant operation training, groundworks, plant maintenance and scaffolding plus health and safety, site supervision and management. With the current lack of existing specialist facilities in the region, we expect learners to travel from across the WE LEP area and from further afield.
Scope and nature of development The 5 acre site will be located within the M5 Junction 21 Enterprise Area, easily accessible to M5 corridor for potential learners and businesses from across the region and to the demand pull from Hinkley C.
The building will be of modular design, flexible and portable to enable easy adaption to learner and employer needs and the fluidity of the construction sector. As such, the buildings can be dismantled and re-erected in other locations as the needs of the WE LEP area and the construction industry change over time.
Detailed plans include:
• 1 large multi-skill workshop with roller door access for plant and civils construction activities to suit specific needs including formwork, steel fixing and specialist skills • 2 versatile classrooms separated by a flexible walling system adapting for small conference facilities and discrete learning • IT training & IT assessment rooms • Large, high-roofed scaffolding workshop for 3 scaffolding lifts and scaffold erected around a typical ‘new build property footprint’ • Open learning zone with IT facilities, and wifi access. • Centralised welcome/catering facility • Outdoor training environment replicating a modern construction environment, including street works area, confined spaces, drainage, tele- handler platform and flexible earth-based acreage for earthworks • Plant and materials compounds • Outdoor hardstanding area mirroring workshop activities in a real-life setting, storage and parking. • Plant maintenance training will be provided at Weston College’s motor vehicle centre where skills to support this provision already exist and so optimising existing resources and removing any potential duplication of provision. • All purchased heavy plant used at the new centre will be accompanied by a maintenance contract. Plant used for plant maintenance training delivered at the motor vehicle centre, South West Skills Campus, will be used to demonstrate stripping down and refitting or various parts as part
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
of the overall training package. The plant will not be required to be operational outside of the workshop area, therefore Weston College will self-maintain the plant and organise maintenance as required.
How the proposed project meets estate need
This project is driven by employer demand and LEP and CITB skills requirements forecasts. In response to these drivers, the College will have the capacity and high quality training facility to deliver the range of civils- focussed construction skills, to help bridge the skills gap currently in that provision.
How the project links to the case for benefits to learners and economic growth
The project will provide a regional skills centre for learners to enter the construction industry and achieve recognised qualifications and cards aligned to identified skills needs in the region and to be ‘work-ready’ for construction employers. Learners will have the opportunity to follow a career path from basic to advanced and higher levels, expanding their skills sets and increasing their value to employers. The availability of a suitably-skilled workforce will support employment levels, and help bridge the gap in civils and infrastructure skills required for the major planned infrastructure projects which are directly driving economic growth in the region.
College Gross Internal With reference to the college’s eMandate return, complete Table 1 below Area (GIA) m2: (2012/13 & 2013/14 data). Allow for subsequent changes in estate and 2.2 exclude farm and residential buildings.
Table 1: Gross Internal Area (GIA) Affected by the Project GIA (m2) before project GIA (m2) affected by project GIA (m2) after project
eMandate reported New build/ acquired 1,561m 48,174m2 position Feb 2013 GIA: 2
35,492m2 GIA to be refurbished: 0 m2 Measured July 2014 Vacated/ demolished GIA: 0 m2
38,660m2 Including completed projects since 2014
46,613m2
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Floor Area e Improved/Rationalised Complete Table 2 below to show the area of estate in eMandate by Project: condition A, B, C and D before and after the project 2.3 Table 2: Impact of Project on Condition of Estate (Gross Internal Area (GIA)) Condition of Estate Condition of Estate AFTER Change in condition (m2 BEFORE project (m2 and project (m2 and %) and %) of estate as a result %) of the project
m2 [1] % m2 [2] % m2 [2-1] %
A: 22,879 49.08 A: 24,440 50.73 A: 1,561 1.65
B: 17,904 38.41 B: 17,904 37.17 B: 0 -1.24
C: 3,151 6.76 C: 3,151 6.54 C: 0 -0.22
D: 2,679 5.75 D: 2,679 5.56 D: 0 -0.19
Total: 46,613 100% Total: 48,174 100% Total: 1,561 0
In cases where the data supplied above differs from that reported in
eMandate, the LEP requires clarification and an explanation of potential floor-
space anomalies. Complete Table 3 below to confirm how the ‘before project’
areas and condition categories are derived for this application.
Table 3: Building Condition Variations Information Source Condition Category GIA (m2)
A B C D Total
eMandate reported 2 2 2 2 2 7,000m 14,315m 3,857m 10,257m 35,429m position [1]
Pre-project figures 22,879m2 17,904m2 3,151m2 2,679m2 46,613m2 reported for proposed project [2]
Variance [1-2] 15,879m2 3,589m2 706m2 7,578m2 11,184m2
Please explain and justify all variations in the current and historically reported areas and associated condition categories.
The variance is due to 11,184m2 of new projects since the eMandate reported position.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
New Build Sustainability Building 407 Motor vehicle 190 Partnership centre 449 UC classrooms 495 Law & professional Services Academy 7332 Future Technology Centre 621 ERG2 735 ERG3 955 Total 11,184
Inoperable/Category D f Building Condition: 2.4 None.
maximum 100 words
Project Costs: Complete the cost breakdown pro forma with reference to the Skills 2.5 Funding Agency’s cost model www.gov.uk/government/publications/sfa- capital-funding-support-for-leps
Justify/explain any variances from the Agency’s cost model.
Please see attached in Appendix 2.5i. Cost Breakdown for the project – in Master Costings Spreadsheet
maximum 400 words
For capital equipment costs please provide an additional costings sheet detailing these on their own and using the following format
Please see attached Appendix 2.5ii. Capital Equipment Costings Sheet.
BREEAM: g maximum 100 words 2.6 BREEAM underpins the College’s CSR commitments and most projects have achieved Very Good/ Excellent ratings. Relevant Authority and external service providers are consulted to ensure new projects integrate with the local infrastructure to provide sustainable solutions.
Developments target high thermal performance. Additional Capital Costs are modelled for 7-10 year payback periods. This links with Construction Contractors’ policies for Sustainable Development to reduce carbon footprint.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
The construction centre has been designed to promote passive natural ventilation, glazing provides daylight and natural ventilation, whilst the choice of construction materials balances embodied energy, performance, capital cost and maintenance so minimising whole-life financial and environmental costs. The modular buildings are recyclable or movable.
Through these approaches we expect the Centre to achieve minimum Very Good rating.
Sustainability: h maximum 400 words 2.7 The College has a comprehensive sustainability policy which is rigorously applied to all capital projects. It includes aspects relating to energy and water use, the internal environment (health and well-being), pollution, transport, materials, waste, ecology and management processes.
The College has expanded its estate significantly in the last 5 years and sustainability has been at the heart of the design process for all capital projects to ensure that buildings are functional, efficiently planned, innovative and employing modern technologies.
Sustainability is always a consideration for every Weston College construction project and is not limited to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
The design of the buildings for this project will promote passive, natural ventilation and this will offset the need for mechanical ventilation and air cooling.
The area of glazed elements, windows and roof glazing will be balanced to provide daylight and natural ventilation while minimising risks of summer overheating and heat loss during the winter.
The choice of construction materials will seek an optimum balance between the criteria of embodied energy, performance, capital cost and maintenance so that whole-life financial and environmental costs are minimised. The design will seek to use modern construction methods, including off-site fabrication, to minimise transport costs, reduce waste, increase material recycling, and reduce the hazards inherent in site work especially in exposed coastal locations.
The proposed modular buildings will allow them to be recycled / moved if there is a requirement to relocate the centre in the future.
Some of the proposed plant and heavy equipment is quite demanding on the environment but the College will ensure that policies and procedures are in place to comply with the relevant environmental legislation especially with regards to fuel storage.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Acquisition details (if maximum 200 words applicable, freehold/ long leasehold only): 2.8 The site is located on land owned by North Somerset Council within the M5 J21 Enterprise Area and comprises GIA 1561 SQM in a 2.02 hectares area. It will be leased to Weston College on a 5 year plus 5 year basis. Following this initial period, there is potential to shift the centre to a new area of the J21 Enterprise Area if the existing site is required for development, or elsewhere in the WE LEP area. This is made possible by the eco-modular building design. The costs of the lease are negligible for the new Centre and will be covered in the operating model for the Centre.
As is regular practice with Weston College, professional advice has been sought through the process via architects and quantity surveying partners. A Red Book commercial valuation by a RICS qualified valuer will be supplied by 21st April.
Owing to timescales, provisional Heads of Terms with North Somerset Council are provided (see Appendix 2.8 attached). Full agreement and sign off to the Heads of Terms are going through due process within the Council currently and will be in place by the end of June 2017 to coincide with the LEP Investment Board’s decision so that we are able to quickly commence the build. The letter of support from the Chief Executive of North Somerset Council provides evidence of their commitment to work in partnership with the College to facilitate access to appropriate land (See appendix A Letters of Support).
Design/Specification Provide design drawings to a minimum RIBA Stage 3 (Developed Information: Design) including as a minimum location plan, floor plans and overall 2.9 site plan with external works.
Please see attached Appendix 2.9 Site Plan and Design Drawings
Please note the Site Plan outlines in red the whole area that can be made available by North Somerset Council to the College, for current or future requirements. Currently the College is working on the basis of a 5 acre site within the outlined area.
Procurement 2.10 Identify your design team and how they have been procured.
Weston College has a well-established procurement team who aim to promote the delivery of value for money through good procurement practice. The Group Director for Marketing, Estates and Systems (who is a member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) is the designated College procurement champion ensuring that arrangements for procuring goods and services, including capital works and equipment, are: • Consistent with the principles set out in the College’s Risk Management Policy. • Compliant with EU procurement legislation
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
• Compliant with the College’s Financial Regulations, and • Draw on best practice.
The College tendered all elements of the project team as part of its capital investment programme and the following professional practices have been commissioned since that time: • View Architects – Architectural design • Paul Chappell- Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager • Jones King- Mechanical and electrical design • Craddys- Civil engineering • Foot Anstey- Legal • Weston College – procurement of all furniture, fittings and equipment
This team has worked together on a number of projects led by Weston College and has the experience and capability to ensure this project is delivered successfully without incurring excessively high professional fees.
This methodology is tried and tested and has successfully delivered numerous property projects over the last few years including some using LEP funding.
Please set out the procurement routes for all elements of the scheme delivery e.g. contractors works/services/supplies procurement.
The procurement route for all elements of the scheme delivery will depend on the contract value. Where the contract value is over the EU threshold the College will follow a fully compliant OJEU process. If the contract value is below the EU threshold the College will follow the processes set out in its own Financial Regulations and Procurement Strategy. This may include utilising an existing framework e.g. the Southern Construction Framework, where appropriate.
Confirm the type of contract(s) to be used and a brief explanation of why these have been chosen.
For large capital investment projects we utilise framework agreements wherever possible for example the Southern Construction Framework. We will comply with EU process and legislation and our aim is to have Design and Build Construction contract – JCT 2016 standard terms and conditions with employers’ requirements taken up to RIBA Stage 4.
This standard has been developed and refined over 150 years, 95% of all contract are JCT and it is a recognised standard.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
In addition the College already has in place contracts for IT, furniture and equipment that are fully compliant with OJEU and EU procurement legislation.
Outline how social value is being considered in line with the principles of the Social Value Act.
By operating under the Southern Construction Framework Weston College we commit to applying the principles of the Social Value Act, and the project will therefore be measured on items listed under the Social Value Act including:
• Local sourcing of materials and personnel • Contractors will be required to place apprentices on the build project • Noise impact • Environment considerations • Use of sustainable materials
Under the framework we are scored against our performance and record performance data.
Please include within the response how you respond to any OJEU requirements.
The College is fully aware of the EU procurement directives and the Group Director for Marketing, Estates and Systems (a member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) oversees all procurement activity to ensure that all OJEU requirements, from initial advertisement to final decision are met.
maximum 500 words
Section 3: Supporting Local Economic Growth, , Employers, Local Community - how the project meets the key priorities set out in Section 5 of the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan www.westofenglandlep.co.uk/about-us/strategicplan and specifically the Skills Capital Priorities stated at Expression of Interest Stage 3. Impact on Benefits to Learners and Supporting Economic Growth
Note: In the responses to the questions in this section, it is important to make reference to the learner number table and to include quantifiable targets and measures, as appropriate, to assist with an objective assessment of the application.
Responding to current Explain how the project will enable a positive and measurable impact on and future skills responding to skills needs, including: needs/priorities:
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
3..1 • Addressing the West of England LEP’s Skills Capital priorities articulated by the LEP at Expression of Interest stage. • Alignment with local stakeholder plans and identified needs, including Local Enterprise Partnership (Please provide specific references to the West of England LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan and the West of England LEP’s Skills Plan), City Region Strategies and Enterprise Zones/Enterprise Areas. • Meets current and future skills needs and supports growth industries and sectors with a key focus on the West of England LEP’s priority sectors. • Makes measurable contributions to any other specific local priorities, issues and challenges. • Please outline in your response how intelligence and/or actions arising from the Skills Funding Incentive Pilot have influenced/supported the development of this project?
The impetus to submit our proposal to the LEP Skills Capital fund was borne from engagement through a variety of LEP initiatives, including the Skills Funding Incentive Pilot, alongside our own direct employer engagement activities. The project strongly responds to WE LEP Skills Capital investment priorities, namely:
- To meet the needs of the WE LEP priority and wider sectors, particularly to meet the needs of the Construction sector - Support of the growth of apprenticeship delivery at Levels 3 and above
The construction sector is one of WE LEP’s key skills priorities underpinning all the region’s key sectors. According to LEP’s Skills Statement 2016 for Construction there is a need to recruit significant new talent and upskill local labour to support construction projects. LEP /CITB’s 2015 Interim Report identified the greatest skills gaps as non-construction operatives, civil engineers and operatives and labourers. Through this project, Weston College will provide a unique, high quality training facility so facilitating the training of new talent and upskilling the existing workforce.
In addition to full time and short courses, the facility will also offer a range of apprenticeships at Level 2+, in line with LEP’s 2020 Apprentice Ambition and Government targets. As an Ofsted Outstanding college with a track record in apprenticeships, Weston College is a respected and proven training provider.
The project has been informed and designed around employer requirements and consultation with CITB and Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and the objectives and measurable impacts directly relate to LEP and regional priorities, including supporting greater employment levels and those who are underemployed due to lack of skills.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
The College has taken learning from the Skills Funding Incentive Pilot’ for construction where we chaired the group of providers and applied this learning to the project design. The Pilot enabled the College to assess what other facilities were available in the region and identify the gaps against employer requirements.
The key positive and measurable impacts of the project are:
• Creating an industry-standard infrastructure construction skills centre for the West of England – focusing on skills gaps in civils, plant operations and scaffolding not currently available in the WE LEP area by January 2019.
This objective focusses on the needs of the construction industry and responds to the LEP Strategic Economic Plan which highlights the need for investment in infrastructure to support regional growth and the major projects that are being generated in the region to stimulate growth.
It further meets the LEP Construction and Development Skills Statement priority to bridge the skills and supply gap in the sector and the CITB Construction Skills Network 2017-21 Forecast detailing a projected 34.9% growth in the infrastructure construction sector.
• Meeting employer demand - Through the employer-focused curriculum and training offered from the new Construction Centre the project will help meet the skills needs of employers across the WE LEP area and operating in the area and neighbouring region. It will further support the highlighted shortage of skilled workers regionally and nationally.
The design of the centre and training has been developed by listening to key employers, both large organisations and SMEs. Reflecting the issues raised in the LEP Local Sector Skills Statement for Construction and Development, there is a need to improve the quality, relevance and local responsiveness of education and training.
By engaging with employers Weston College will offer the skills training identified as most in need – civils, groundworks, plant operations and maintenance and scaffolding, with the same attention to quality and outcomes that has led the College to achieve Ofsted Outstanding status.
By July 2021 we aim to develop over 20 new programmes in response to employer demand, helping to bridge the skills gap.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
• Create a complete learning journey – Through strategic partnership with UWE we will create a complete learning pathway for learners from entry level to higher levels in the West of England for the infrastructure construction sector.
As the only infrastructure skills training provision in the WE LEP area, the Centre will provide a pathway from feeder schools and colleges across the region, encouraging young people into the sector.
• Increased construction skills capacity - By the end of the Construction Centre’s third full year of operation the project will have trained 3700 learners – upskilling existing workers and attracting newcomers into the construction sector.
According to the WE LEP’s Sector Skills Statement, construction and development work underpins all of the regions key sectors and has a major impact on the local economy through new build, infrastructure and repair and maintenance, driving a need to ‘recruit significant new talent and facilitate the upskilling of local labour’, particularly with the timeline of projects, such as Hinkley C and Filton Airfield.
• Supporting government and LEP apprentice agenda - By the end of the third year of operation it is anticipated over 160 additional apprentices will have commenced their training.
In addition to short courses and employer-bespoke training, through the new construction centre Weston College will offer apprenticeships in plant operations, ground works, construction operations, scaffolding and formwork, helping to meeting LEP and Government apprenticeship agenda and facilitating a pathway for participants from general operative to supervisor and site management roles, helping to attract new talent and retain existing talent into the construction sector.
In addition to the positive impact on employers, learners and LEP, the Centre will also directly create jobs in teaching, assessing, technical and general support.
maximum 750 words
Improving the quality Explain how the project will support measurable improvements in: of teaching and learner success: • The quality of teaching and learning • Learner success. 3.2
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Are any of the curriculum areas concerned inadequate and, if so, how will the project address these?
The quality of teaching and learning
The new Construction Skills Centre will be a state of the art training facility that offers high quality teaching and learning in a true-to-life operational environment. The Centre will offer a range of civils, groundworks, plant operations, maintenance and scaffolding training not available elsewhere in the WE LEP area and to a standard that becomes trusted and recognised across the construction sector for its high quality of skills training and learner outcomes. Weston College has a proven record of delivering high quality teaching and learning, as demonstrated through our Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ status. The Faculty of Technology, Engineering and Construction, which will deliver the construction training, has continually been assessed at Grade 1. All Weston College staff, including those to be employed at the new centre, are fully supported in programmes of continuing professional development and there are extensive ‘trade to teacher’ routes for up-skilling vocational specialists into training. There is currently a shortage of skilled trainers in construction nationally and Weston College will build on its reputation as a good employer, the appeal of the new civils, groundworks and scaffolding centre, the offer of career opportunities and better than industry-standard remuneration packages to attract high quality trainers and vocational specialists into training roles. Vocational specialists moving into a teaching role will receive comprehensive mentoring, induction and in-depth continued professional development following a collegiate teacher or assessor training programme that would see them qualify to Level 5. In Higher Education, training will be to PGC level with up-skilling for assessor qualifications and QA. The quality of teaching will be enhanced through close collaboration with sector employers, increasing the relevance of teaching programmes and expanding links with visiting industry speakers and employers.
Specifically, the technology infrastructure and the specialist equipment housed within the Construction Skills Centre will enable Weston College to respond to employers’ feedback and skills agenda relating to low levels of confidence in using specialist equipment demonstrated by new employees.
Measurable improvements in learner success
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
The project will enable the building of a dedicated construction centre for civils, plant operations and scaffolding – for which there is currently no facility in the WE region. Through this project, people across the WE LEP area, employed, unemployed and looking to upskill, will have the opportunity to train in new skills in civils, groundworks, plant operations and scaffolding, hitherto unavailable to them. Apprenticeship provision will be measured on timely success whilst other qualifications delivered through short courses will be certification-based training. This training will be measured through learner and employer satisfaction feedback on the quality and scope of training provision. Specialist facilities will enhance the overall quality of engagement. Learner core functional skills will be embedded into the curriculum together with enhancement skills, eg. literacy, numeracy and key employability skills, to further raise productivity levels of potential and existing employees.. We will offer personalised learning programmes (with discreet support) for disaffected hard to reach learners e.g. NEETs and the long term unemployed, using increased engagement with community groups to showcase aspirational careers in the construction sector. The Centre is being developed on the back of outstanding success data in construction and building services curriculum which has seen 3 year upward trends with outcomes significantly above national benchmarks, demonstrating the College’s ability to provide high quality learning for this sector. Learner success will continue to remain very high, above national benchmarks for both full time and Apprenticeship provision. As important as learner success will be ensuring learners are work-ready on completion of their programmes and that construction employers value the skills, knowledge and behaviours the learner has developed whilst at the Centre.
In addition, the project is located within easy access of mainline train, bus and motorway access, which will reduce barriers to engagement for learners across the wider West of England LEP area.
Are any of the curriculum areas concerned inadequate, and if so how will the project address these?
As an OFSTED-rated ‘Outstanding’ provider since 2014, all of our provision is judged to be ‘outstanding’. The development of the Skills Centre is focused on ensuring the College is able to continue delivering outstanding provision for the construction sector in the West of England into the future.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
maximum 750 words Working With Explain how the project has been informed by employer/business need Employers: including: 3.3 • How the project development/design of the project has been informed by employer/business consultation and engagement. • How the project will deliver a flexible resource base and industry- standard equipment and environments for vocational learning. • How will you ensure that curriculum delivered from the capital asset will remain up-to-date and relevant to employer needs in the long term? • What opportunities are there for the employment of apprentices in the project development and build and will this be built into your formal agreement with contractors
As a result of engagement with West of England LEP, CITB, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and employer engagement with employers such as Churngold, Tercon and Kier there is an identified skills gap in construction-skills particularly focusing on infrastructure-related skills, groundworks and scaffolding.
Following initial indications, further more in-depth discussions and meetings were held with employers to ascertain the industry standard plant and equipment used, size of site and training required, industry-recognised cards and qualifications and most appropriate training delivery model. The information gathered, together with a visit to the CITB national construction training centre in Kings Lynn, Norfolk has directly shaped the Construction Centre design and training offering.
The plant used for training will be a combination of purchased and hired, offering flexibility to adapt to plant training in accordance with employer demand and ensure the most up to date industry standard plant. Similarly the Construction Centre itself is of modular design, offering high levels of flexibility in terms of configuration to training requirements and site location to meet employer demand.
Through ongoing consultation and joint working with employers the offer at the Centre will continually evolve to ensure that the curriculum is meeting the needs of the sector. We will ensure that the equipment selected is to the correct industry standard (in collaboration with our employer partners) and will ensure that the Centre meets the immediate and long term skills needs.
As a financially secure and robust institution, Weston College has a clear strategy of ensuring continuing investment and maintenance in facilities
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
and equipment. Every year the College, as part of its business planning cycle, identifies requirements for new equipment or facilities and this is then included in the capital plan for the year alongside a set aside fund for ongoing maintenance and replacement of equipment.
Ongoing consultation with employers and stakeholders across the region will ensure that the capital asset continues to meet the needs of employers in the region to have access to a highly skilled workforce for roles at all levels of requirement.
The provision of Work Experience and Apprenticeships is built into the construction contractors’ contractual obligations with the College. The Southern Construction Framework insists that all construction schemes provide opportunities for Apprenticeships where possible and practicable. As a College with learners who would benefit enormously from work experience or Apprenticeship opportunities, we will obviously work actively with our Contractors to provide placements wherever practicable.
maximum 400 words
Please provide a breakdown of employers consulted which are based within the WE LEP area and those based outside of the WE LEP area.
Whilst we have engaged with a number of construction industry employers, most of whom are based in the WE LEP area and others who are regional or national but with localised workforce or project needs.
Company / Organisation Location Churngold Bristol Alun Griffiths Bristol and South Wales Tercon Bristol Dawnus Exeter, but operating across West of England Dancourt Bristol SGB Scaffolding Bristol Kier National and operating in WE LEP area Civil Engineering Contractors Regional / National Association representing SMEs Wessex Water Regional Costain National and operating in WE LEP area Skanska National and operating in the WE LEP area Avon Construction Group, WE LEP area including SME representation
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
North Somerset Council – WE LEP area Civils Section Bath and North East Somerset WE LEP area Council – Civils Section South Gloucestershire Council WE LEP area – Civils section Bristol City Council – Civils WE LEP area Section
Please see letters of support attached in Appendix A
maximum 200 words
Expanding and Explain how the project will support the expansion and growth of growing Apprenticeships and employer engagement, with particular reference Apprenticeships: to:
3.4 • How the project will have a positive and measurable impact on increasing and expanding 16-18 and 19-24 Apprenticeships. Please provide specific reference to WE LEP priority sectors. • How the project will support the provision of enhanced progression routes to higher-level training, including higher- level Apprenticeships. Please provide specific reference to WE LEP priority sectors. • How the project will support the business and skills requirements of employers, particularly small- and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs).
Construction, is identified as a priority sector in the WE LEP Skills Statement, with the CITB Skills Network Forecast noting in particular the need for infrastructure and civils skills in the region. Through the new Construction Skills Centre, Weston College will be offering a range of new apprenticeship courses, including embracing the new Apprenticeship Standards as they are approved for delivery. We are already planning to offer the new Groundworks Apprenticeship Standard when it is approved for delivery. Currently there are very few Apprenticeships approved for delivery in Infrastructure Construction, but it is our expectation that this will change over the next five years due to the introduction of the Levy. These courses will be open to all, including 16-18 and 19-24 year old learners and we will actively promote Apprenticeship opportunities and potential career pathways to learners to drive up demand. Through these courses, Weston College anticipates a throughput of over 160 additional apprentices in the first three full years of operation, making a positive and targeted impact on supporting the region to increase its number of Apprenticeships.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
• How the project will support the provision of enhanced progression routes to higher-level training, including higher-level Apprenticeships. Please provide specific reference to WE LEP priority sectors.
The focus of provision is to introduce pathways into civils and construction offering stepping stones from L1 to L7 including degree apprenticeships, Higher Apprenticeships and HNCs. Apprentices and all learners will have the opportunity to progress with their learning from level 2 through to higher education levels with Weston College or our partner university for construction; UWE. Weston College is already delivering a Degree Apprenticeship programme in civil engineering which would provide an Apprenticeship progression route immediately and other routes will be developed over time as demand becomes clearer in relation to progression. It is worth noting that there are very few approved Apprenticeships ready for delivery to meet the needs of the Infrastructure construction sector currently, but as more Standards are developed we will actively seek to support their introduction and growth.
• How the project will support the business and skills requirements of employers, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The project is designed to support both large and SME employers in the construction sector as all businesses, irrelevant of size, are reporting skills gaps and the need for a West of England-basesd infrastructure construction training. SMEs will save on staff release time and costs by being able to access a regional training facility instead of sending employees to centres at some distance from the West of England (ie: CITB National Training Centre in Kings Lynn). An employer engagement strategy will be created to ensure we are able to engage and reach employers across the West of England area, including SMEs. Our consultation to date has included employers based across the wider region of all sizes and their representative bodies (ie: Civil Engineering Contractors Association).
maximum 300 words
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Learner Numbers: Complete Table 4 below to show the number of learners that will be benefit from the project over the first three years of operation across all of the categories listed. The information needs to show the following: 3.5 • The number of learners who would have engaged with this provision without the proposed capital asset being in place. • The number of learners which you anticipate will engage with this provision after the capital asset is in place and in operation. • The change in learner numbers that this project will enable you to realise (n.b. the WE LEP would expect this to be a positive figure)
Table 4: Learners benefiting from the project
Learner Learner numbers Change in learner Learner “Type” numbers after project numbers before project [1] [2] = [2-1] Jan 2019 - Jul 2022
14 – 16 20 60 40 16-19 EFA 274 822 548 Adult Skills Classroom- 90 270 180 Based 16-18 Apprenticeships 125 409 284 Adult (19+) 57 305 248 Apprenticeships Adult Skills Workplace 0 0 0 Adult Full Cost Recovery 29 2883 2854 Learners Adult Unemployed 30 217 187 Learners aged 19-24 Adult Unemployed 105 760 655 Learners aged 25-49 Adult Unemployed 35 253 218 Learners aged 50+ NEET 16-18 0 0 0 NEET 19-24 0 0 0 Disabled Learners 76 594 518
Total 765 5980 5215
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Complete Table 5 below to show the number of learners that will benefit from the facility originating from within and outside the boundary of the WE LEP area over the first three years of operation
Table 5: Geographical origin of the learners benefiting from the project Number of learners drawn from within the 3168 WE LEP area Number of learners drawn from outside the 604 WE LEP area TOTAL: 3772
Complete Table 6 below to provide a breakdown of the learners that will benefit from the facility by NVQ level of study they are undertaking over the first three years of operation
Table 6: Learners benefiting from the facility by NVQ level of study
NVQ Level Number of Learners Level 5 0 Level 4 414 Level 3 255 Level 2 3103 Level 1 0
Curriculum Areas: Which curriculum areas will be affected by the project? Please detail 3.6 what this affect will be (i.e. increase in learner numbers, relocation of provision etc.).
The new Construction Skills Centre will enhance Weston College’s existing construction curriculum in general trades and minor civils by providing new provision for infrastructure construction, civils and groundworks plant operation and maintenance and scaffolding. The centre will combine practical operations with theory.
Plant maintenance will take place in the College’s Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence, utilising existing facilities where possible.
No relocation of provision is required and learner numbers are expected to increase over 3 full operational years by over 3700.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
maximum 200 words Social Inclusion, It is important to be satisfied that your scheme is clear about how Equality & Diversity equality and diversity will be considered. Please consider and provide and Protected responses to the following points: Characteristics: 1. Identify the key equality and diversity objectives for your scheme? 3.7 2. What are the benefits of doing this and how will these contribute to the West of England Vision and the SEP strategic objectives? 3. Identify the key equality and diversity target groups relating to your scheme? 4. Details of what you can and will do to proactively address the identified equality and diversity issues? 5. How will success be measured on an ongoing basis?
Scheme Equality and Diversity Objectives, benefits and contribution to West of England Vision and SEP strategic objectives. The new Construction Training Centre will align to Weston College’s wider equality and diversity objectives, helping all learners or potential learners to achieve their full potential. Objectives include to: • Facilitate easier access for a more diverse pool of people into the construction sector, supporting their career progression and helping to address employer staff attraction and retention challenges. • Promote career pathways and progression routes from entry level through to higher education in construction • Encourage more women and young people into construction • Support under-employed people to gain the training needed for career progression. • Attract people facing disadvantage into the construction sector.
These objectives directly contribute to the LEP’s strategy to encourage sustainable economic growth and the creation of new jobs and to two LEP strategic objectives relating to the link between work readiness and impact on economic growth and inequalities: • Shape the local workforce to provide people with skills that businesses need to succeed and that will provide them with job opportunities. • Ensure all our communities share in the prosperity, health and well- being and reduce the inequality gap.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
The Construction Skills Centre will directly contribute to these objectives and the wider vision by ensuring a regional resource is created.
Key equality and diversity target groups and proactive steps to address the identified equality and diversity issues.
Gender - under representation of women in construction • Actively work with CITB, CEIAG providers across the region and with Weston College school networks, utilising our own CEIAG team to raise awareness of construction-related career pathways, particularly for women. • Weston College is developing an engagement project with the Girl Guide Association for the construction sector, which would link well to the equality and diversity objectives of this project. • Utilisation of CITB resources to promote equality and diversity, including Go Construct website.
Young People – Aging workforce and lack of young people entering the industry • Tailor marketing media to attract young people. • Use schools network (as above) • Work with other colleges and training providers to facilitate progression into the specialist training • Promote apprenticeships, so creating additional employment and training opportunities for 16 to 18 year olds. Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups • Engage with local employers to generate diverse construction talent pool. Under-employed adults already employed in the sector • Promote career pathways and progression routes from entry levels to higher education in construction. • Offer diverse curriculum to widen skill-scope and improve employee value. • Provision of easily accessible training, with opportunity to up-skill through apprenticeships and short courses gaining higher level qualifications/ specialisms and enabling progression in work. • Work with other colleges and training providers to facilitate progression into the specialist training
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
At risk NEETS – Under-performers and under-achievers • The College already attracts a high number of vulnerable learners or at risk NEET young people to its construction provision. • Wider offer of infrastructure construction will expand engagement opportunities. • Through CEIAG and individual assessment • Individual learner support • Clear progression routes enhanced through bi-lateral engagement with employer. Unemployed adults with multiple barriers and disadvantage • Continue working with DWP and JobCentre Plus to ensure their awareness of available training. • Working with employers and DWP, development of pre-employment programmes, including sector based work academies for construction to provide a pathway into construction. The College will • Utilisation of College links with ESF Skills Support for the Unemployed and Big Lottery Building Better Opportunities programme for referrals.
How will success be measured on an ongoing basis? Baseline data will be gathered the College management information systems and trends monitored to evaluate success and prompt any action / activity required. Analysis of this data forms part of our Quality Assurance processes and any emerging gaps are identified and actions plans activated.
max 500 words Working with those Explain how the project will have a positive and measurable impact on who are disadvantaged the following groups: and/or disengaged: • Those aged 17-24 who are unemployed 3.8 • Those aged 25-49 who are unemployed • Those aged 50+ who are unemployed • NEETs aged 16-24
The West of England Construction Skills Centre will provide highly inclusive and accessible training facilities which are directly designed to lead to employment or progress people underemployed already in work.
We will promote the facility to all the above target groups, making the centre accessible.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
By growing the number of Apprenticeships in the Construction sector as a result of the new Centre, there will be greater opportunities for all ages, particularly young people.
Building on the work the College already undertakes in partnership with DWP and employers, we will be seeking to provide a range of pre- employment programmes which support progression into the construction industry. By securing the right skills, knowledge and behaviour, including self-confidence, the College will utilise its new facilities to support people facing a range of barriers from all age groups into employment.
The College will link with employment support programmes, including the Big Lottery’s Building Better Opportunities (which the College manages), the ESF Skills Support for the Unemployed (for which the College is one of the delivery partners and is linked with the other delivery partners) and the Health and Work Programme (the College is already working with the shortlisted primes to ensure they are aware of the availability of pre- employment training programmes in the area).
• Individuals who experience a disability (both physical disability and/or mental disability)
Regarding individuals experiencing disability of any kind, the College has a proven track record of positively promoting opportunities both through its facilities and specific learner support across all areas of the curriculum. This culture and commitment will continue through the provision delivered at the new project site.
• Individuals who live in areas experiencing high levels of deprivation
The College is proposing to base the new Centre close to some of the most disadvantaged wards in the UK, enabling access to people who are furthest from employment and have multiple barriers to employment. We will actively work with employers to seek work tasters/ placement opportunities as a route into construction. The College is experienced in accessing all available funding streams and will continue to enable all employers and learners to benefit by accessing appropriate entitlements and support.
• Other groups who are socially disadvantaged and/or disengaged
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
- Individuals experiencing other forms of social disadvantage and/or engagement will be provided with opportunities to use the facility for ad hoc drop-in activities/ tasters. - One such group could be ex-offenders who often find it difficult to secure employment. The College delivers the training and skills to offenders in all 10 prisons across the south west and many of those offenders are released to the West of England area. We would seek opportunities to promote retraining and employment in infrastructure construction to this group. - As described in the question above, we recognise the need to support adults who are underemployed, often due to social disadvantage which has led to a lack of training and skills. The Centre will be providing the highly work relevant skills valued by employers in the construction sector which will enable people to progress in work to secure sustainable careers. They will be able to access the training and skills employers value in the region, making the training more accessible to a more diverse group of potential learners.
• Individuals who are impacted by the Government’s Fuller Working Lives policy In order to support people working for longer, they need access to high quality vocational training in order to retrain and upskill. The Construction Skills Centre has been designed in partnership with employers to ensure its offer is relevant and meets the needs of the sector. By providing older people with access to such highly valued training, they will be able to secure and sustain employment for longer, thereby directly supporting the Fuller Working Lives policy.
maximum 750 words
Learner Progression: How will the project support learner progression from and to existing 3.9 provision both within the college and also with partner schools, colleges, private training providers and higher education providers?
Built into the core of this project is the objective to ensure the breadth of provision and progression routes are in place to enable a learner to progress from entry levels through to higher education to support the construction sector with accessing the skills it requires to continue to flourish in the region. Employers have articulated a clear need for infrastructure construction training, alongside other construction traditional trades, and
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
articulated a need for progression routes which enable a greater diversity of entry points into careers pathways, including Apprenticeships.
Weston College and other colleges in the region already deliver construction and engineering programmes from entry levels through to higher education and the new Infrastructure Construction Skills Centre will enable the College to build upon the existing provision in the region to offer learners greater opportunities for diversification into alternative career pathways in infrastructure construction which are currently not available in the region despite a high demand from employers for these skills.
By working with our university partner, UWE, we will ensure that all provision developed at the Centre has a clear progression route either to our own higher education or through to UWE’s construction curriculum at levels 6 and 7.
The bespoke facilities in the Centre will provide the opportunity to plan and deliver ‘hands-on’ learning experiences that reflect the learning and skills required within the construction sector but also more accurately reflect the range of available training and employment opportunities.
Our existing partnerships with schools will ensure that learners are well prepared to enter 16-19 education for this sector thorough CEIAG, delivered by the Weston College ASPECT team. Knowledge, behaviours and core skills improvement will enable learners to access and fully benefit from a range of routes that best suit their aspirations, enabling them to make informed career decisions and promote high levels of success and achievement.
The project will facilitate learner progression within Weston College and for learners progressing from other colleges by increasing the opportunities to undertake courses that reflect the diversity of potential roles within the construction sector and the different routes that they might take in order to access those opportunities. As a result of provision within the College and in partnership with local HEI’s and employers, learners will be able to undertake career pathways from levels 1 and 2 through to higher level study without having to leave the West of England LEP area.
The project will positively enable proactive engagement not only with employers but also with colleges and private training providers. Future curriculum developments will include the consideration of collaboration to source opportunities for student progression where their needs are not met by the college or employers alone.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
max 400 words
Employment Complete table 7 below to provide a breakdown of the number of direct jobs 3.10 that will be created and/or safeguarded for the first year of operation of the facility
Table 7: Number of jobs created and/or safeguarded over the first year of operation
Aggregate salaries Created £ 138,540 Safeguarded £ 683,618
Complete table 8 below to provide details of aggregate salaries relating to the created jobs and safeguarded jobs shown above for the first year of operation of the facility
Table 8: aggregate salaries of jobs created and/or safeguarded over the first year of operation Number of jobs Created 5 FTE Safeguarded 24
Section 4: Financial Value for Money and Affordability Investment Appraisal and j Running Costs: Complete Table 9 below to show the cost and Net Present Value (NPV) of each option: 4.1 Table 9: Comparison of Options
Option Cost (£000) NPV (£000)
Proposed project £5,421,222 £1,406,128
Base case £0 £0
Please see attached Investment Appraisal tab in Appendix 4.1 for Preferred Option in Master Costing Sheet. There is no Base Case Investment Appraisal as no facility exists currently.
Project Funding/ k Finance: Complete Table 10 below to show how the project is to be funded/ financed. 4.2 Table 10: Funding/Financing of Proposed Project Project funding/financing Capital cost (£000) Private sector £ 0 LEP Skills Capital funding £ 3,271,222
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
College contribution (cash reserves) Loan finance £ 0 Disposal proceeds £ 0 Other public sector grants £ 0 Other - land value Total £ 5,421,222
Additional comments: for example, if disposal proceeds are to be used, please explain current status of disposal.
Please see attached Appendix 4.2 Financial Plan
maximum 200 words Expenditure Profile: Complete the detailed monthly expenditure template - for successful applications this will be used to determine grant payment profiles. 4.3 Please see Appendix 4.3 Monthly Expenditure Template (and included in Master Financial Spreadsheet)
Post-Project Reviews: Confirm that a Post-Occupancy Review (POR) will be submitted in the 4.4 LEP’s agreed format within 12 months of the completion of the project:
YES– delete as appropriate
Governing Body Minutes: Provide appropriate minutes to confirm approval of project details, 4.5 expenditure and loan requirements. If not yet available, state when the governing body meeting will be held and when the relevant minute(s) will be available. If successful, no grant offer will be confirmed until the required minute(s) is received.
Please see attached Appendix 4.5 Governing Body Minutes detailing project details and approval.
Post Build Please identify sources of funding required to sustain the ongoing 4.6 operation of the capital asset once the build phase has been completed.
The College has generated an operating plan which assumes income from the following sources: • Skills Funding Agency/ West of England Combined Authority for Adult Education Budget • Skills Funding Agency for non-levy Apprenticeships and Functional Skills for Apprenticeships • Apprenticeship Levy income • Full cost commercial training delivery
The operating plan takes into account the revenue costs and income of delivering the planned curriculum, including staffing costs, materials and the maintenance of the facilities.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
It is has been designed to ensure it is a sustainable facility for the College over the long term.
maximum 200 words Letter from Bank / The applicant should supply as supporting documentation a letter Accountant from their bank confirming that: 4.7 • They are aware of this, and any other capital projects, being undertaken by the applicant having been provided with details of the scheme/s • They consider the applicant to be able to afford and cash flow this project and any other revenue/capital projects and commitments whilst still being able to maintain normal business expenditure • The organisation is currently in a sound financial state, and that project cost increases can be absorbed by existing cash reserves or other means
Please see attached Appendix 4.7 Letter from Bank Letter from Chief The applicant should supply as supporting documentation a letter Financial Officer from, and signed by, their Chief Financial Officer confirming that: • They have approved the final detailed application for submission 4.8 to the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership • That having accounted for bank reserves and projected cash flow
up to three years after the completion of the project the organisation is currently in sound financial state and will not be put into financial difficulties as a result of this scheme and any other financial commitments made by the organisation • All relevant financial approvals are in place with the applicant organisation to deliver the project as set out in the second stage application • That all sources of match funding are confirmed and in place. If the match funding is resulting from an alternate external funding application please provide a letter or contract from the funder confirming this • All appropriate financial due diligence has been undertaken by the applicant organisation in respect of the second stage application • The staff and other resources have been identified and committed for the project by the applicant organisation • They are responsible and accountable for ensuring that the project delivers good (or better) value for money in the use of public resources, that being the suitability and effectiveness of the project as well as the economic growth and wider societal outcomes achieved in return for the public resources received
Please see attached Appendix 4.8 Letter from Chief Financial Officer.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Section 5: Programme Programme for l maximum 100 Completion: words 5.1 Please find attached Appendix 5.1 Project Programme
The Attached Gantt chart outlines the programme for completion, which is summarised below on the basis of funding approval being granted in June 2017.
• Secure Head of Terms for lease with North Somerset Council by June 2017 • Planning approval process April – August 2017 • Site works - October 2017 – December 2018
The project programme will be used to ensure the project remains on track for timely completion.
Anticipated start date: 5.2 The project has already commenced with costs being incurred for professional fees to develop the proposals, including RIBA Stage 3 standard designs and costings (March 2017).
Anticipated practical completion date: January 2019 5.3 Planning Consents: m 5.4 Planning consent will be sought upon notification of award of funding from the LEP and preparations are in place for this process to commence. The land is owned by North Somerset Council and is within a development area in the J21 Enterprise Area and we therefore do not anticipate difficulties in obtaining planning permission.
The letter of support from the Chief Executive of North Somerset Council at Appendix A and the provisional Heads of Terms for the lease at Appendix 2.8 both demonstrate the level of commitment from the Council to move forward with this project working with the College.
maximum 200 words
Land Acquisition and Describe any requirements for land acquisition and confirm landowner other consents agreements or powers are in place. 5.5 Describe any other agreements relating to the project which are in place.
Please provide copies of consents secured/agreements in place.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
The project will require the lease of approximately 5 acres of land to build the construction centre and provide sufficient external area for groundworks operations. See the question above for detail.
North Somerset Council has offered Weston College a suitable site and a provisional Head of Terms has been provided, with full Heads of Terms to follow.
Please refer to Heads of Terms attached in Appendix 2.8 and letter of support from the North Somerset Council Chief Executive at Appendix A
maximum 300 words Project Management and How will the delivery of the project be managed and governed? Governance: 5.6 How will you ensure a range of employers (both SME and others), business representative bodies and other Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies are involved in the ongoing governance of the project both during, and after, the construction phase?
Weston College has a strong Governing Body (the Weston College Corporation) which provides dynamic leadership and governance to the organisation - recognised by Ofsted as outstanding. The Corporation has wide representation from business, University partners (UWE), and key community stakeholders, including the Local Authority. It will be the accountable body and provide the governance for the application of funding to create the Construction Skills Centre. The Capital Project Working Group, a sub-group of The Corporation, meets regularly to plan and monitor the detailed progress of capital projects.
The College has been actively working with a wide range of employer partners, large and SMEs, to inform the governance, project design and management of the project. This engagement will continue throughout the build and as the project moves into its operational phase. Regular consultation with employers and key stakeholders will ensure their knowledge and expertise is captured and feeds into curriculum development and that the project continues to evolve to meet the needs of industry, learners and the local economy.
We will work in close partnership with the LEP to ensure any changes or developments identified through consultation with employers are discussed and agreed. We will make all the necessary returns for reporting and monitoring of funds and progress against the objectives of the project, including audits.
The project build will be managed by the Weston College Group Director for Estates, Marketing and Systems (Linda Burlison) – see
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
organogram attached in Appendix 5.6i Capital Build Project Organogram and Appendix 5.6 ii. Operational Delivery Team Organogram.
The project operational management, in terms of performance and KPIs, will reside with the Head of Faculty for Construction, Steve Caldwell, reporting into the project lead – Andy Davidson, Executive Director for Construction and Engineering. Andy Davidson reports directly into the Group Director for Curriculum, Quality and Student Experience, who sits on the Leadership Board.
The project Lead will be supported by the project team including Head of Faculty for Construction, Finance, Capital team, Employer Engagement, MIS, marketing, as well as the HR, IT and Quality departments. The team will meet as required and quarterly formal reviews will review progress against objectives and agree any action required to ensure the College remains on track. The College will follow its annual quality and planning cycle for courses offered at the Centre.
maximum 300 words Internal and External Confirm, where known, consultants appointed to manage this project: Project Team Appointments: Weston College will manage the project using existing Internal Project Team 5.7 staff who have extensive experience in delivering large capital projects, supported by an external team of contractors.
The external team will comprise partners based upon their success in managing and delivering large capital projects on behalf of the College. Where external contractors have not been identified they will be selected upon confirmation of successful application and will follow an OJEU compliant procurement process, ensuring best value.
An organogram detailing lines of responsibility is attached in Appendix 5.6i.
Internal Team
Overall Project Lead Linda Burlison, Group Director, Estates, Marketing and Systems Facilities and Internal Fit-out Lynda Neate, Facilities Manager Health & Safety Rory O’Connor, Health and Safety Advisor IT Infrastructure Matt Beaver, Head of IT
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Marketing & Communication Lisa Fletcher, Head of Marketing and Communications Operational Financial Management Peter Sloman, Finance Director Curriculum Development and Andy Davidson – Executive stakeholder engagement Director for Construction and Engineering Steve Caldwell – Head of Faculty for Engineering and Construction Project monitoring to meet LEP Jo Watson, Executive Director for requirements Business Growth
External Team
Project Manager Chappell Chartered Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers Architect View Architects Design Team View Architects Architectural Design Jones King Mechanical & Electrical Design Electrical Design Quantity Surveyor/Cost Consultant Chappell Chartered Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers
Planning Supervisor To be appointed Structural Engineer To be appointed Electrical Engineer Jones King Mechanical Engineer Jones King
The overall project build will be managed by Weston College, overseen by the Group Director for Estates, IT and Marketing, who has project managed all of the College’s capital and estate developments in the recent years, delivering all on time and to budget. She will be supported by a professional and experienced project team as detailed above.
The project team is supported by the College’s MIS, HR, IT, Quality and Finance departments and responsible to the Corporate Leadership Board, ensures that targets are met, that quality and value for money remains high and that the project is audit compliant and sustainable.
Overall performance will be reviewed internally through monthly performance review meetings with the Project Lead, who will risk assess monthly progress against overall contract targets and assess levels of engagement with employers and stakeholders. At strategic level, performance will be overseen by the Deputy Principal for Curriculum, Quality and Student Experience who reports directly to the Principal and
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
who is ultimately accountable to the College’s Governing Body and Capital Project Working Group.
Section 6: Risk Risk and Mitigation: n maximum 200 6.1 words
Weston College’s experience in delivering major capital projects, ensures we understand how to identify and mitigate risks. The College has the internal and external teams in place to ensure each project is completed on time and to budget. Project-specific risks include:
• Failure to secure a Heads of Terms on leased land within acceptable timeframe
Provisional heads of terms (Reference Appendix 2.8) are being submitted with the bid which have been agreed by the Council Officers in principle, and North Somerset Council is committed to attracting the new training centre to the area, thereby providing confidence that once due process is followed, heads of terms will be forthcoming. A letter of full support is provided with the Stage 2 application from the Chief Executive of North Somerset Council (Appendix A). It should be noted that a number of potential sites have been identified so there is the potential to move to another site if required.
• Failure to complete the project on time and to budget
Mitigated by the College’s strong track record of delivering capital projects both on time and within budget. Our approach to project management as described in this application and the thorough work completed in preparation of this proposal which reduces the likelihood of unforeseen delays or expenses.
• Prime construction contractor ceases trading
The College has a robust approach to supply chain procurement and framework of proven suppliers
• Failure to secure match funding.
This will prohibit the project taking place. However agreements are in place which have been reached through the Capital Working Group of the College
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
(and its Governors) and the Chief Executive to provide all the required match funding..
• Failure to secure the necessary planning requirements
North Somerset Council owns the land, which is in a development area. Consultation has already taken place with the Planning Authority and initial feedback is positive. The College will work actively with the planners to ensure consent is secured at the earliest opportunity.
• Inability to recruit high calibre staff with industry experience
Mitigated by an experienced HR Department, competitive terms and conditions and a clear recruitment strategy to attract the best talent.
• Change in Government Policy for funding.
Failure to receive capital funding will prohibit the College from delivering this proposal. The recent announcements around the Government’s Industrial Strategy indicate a continued commitment and strengthening of commitment to funding high quality training which responds to the requirements of employers in key sectors. The College will work actively with partners in the new Combined Authority to ensure as far as possible devolved funding for skills is made available for learners who would benefit from the new Health and Active Living Skills Centre across the West of England.
• Failure to engage employers
The new Construction Skills Centre has been designed in partnership with employers to ensure it directly meets their needs. This is critical for ensuring their engagement and willingness to utilise and value the facilities for their employees and new recruits. A clear employer engagement strategy will be in place. A draft is attached at Appendix C
• Failure to attract learners
The College has a strong track record with attracting learners to its provision demonstrated by continual and significant growth in the last ten years. A strong marketing and communications plan will be in place to ensure the Centre attracts learners.
Risk Register Provide a copy of the risk register for the project described in this second stage application including risk rating, mitigation and risk 6.2 owners. A suggested format is provided below. This should span the
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
implementation phase e.g. those relating to service diversions and also for operation e.g. lack of take up, non-delivery of expected outcomes.
Actions to mitigate mitigate to Actions After Mitigation (L (L Mitigation After Impact (L Impact Probability (Low Probability (L Mitigation Mitigation (RAG) Mitigation Residual Impact Impact Residual Probability After After Probability Medium Consequence Red Residual Risk Risk Residual Green Rating Green Rating After After Rating Residual Residual / M / H) / Risk risk
H) Amber
/
/
High) M
/
/ M
H) /
/ /
Risk Rating Probability Low Medium High Low Green Green Amber Impact Medium Green Amber Red High Amber Red Red
Please see attached Appendix 6.2 Risk Register
Section 7: Past return on Investment Lessons learned and past return on investment Has the college completed a major capital project in excess of 7.1 £500,000 in the last five years?
YES– delete as appropriate
If yes: • provide a brief description of the project including outturn cost maximum 100 words
The Future Technology Centre, funded by LEP Skills Capital Funding in 2015, was completed and fully operational from August 2016. The creation of this flagship facility to up-skills learners with work ready technology skills across a number of curriculum areas had the following objectives:
1. Design and build of the Future Technologies Centre in line with industry skills requirements. 2. Engage employers and other key stakeholders in designing the offer for the new Centre to ensure it meets business needs specifically in the engineering, civil engineering and digital sectors.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
3. Development of new programmes creating career pathways for young people and adults both in full time learning and through work based routes, including apprenticeships.
Outturn cost: £4.22m
• comment on the return on investment achieved and the extent to which the project delivered on the intended outcomes. (max 500 words)
The Future Technology Centre was designed, built and operationalised in 18 months with the investment from the LEP. Significant impact and outcomes have already been achieved, these are summarised below. Engineering The College has developed a full advanced engineering curriculum as a result of the new Future Technology Centre and delivery of engineering programmes, including Apprenticeships, commenced in September 2015. The facilities have enabled the College to secure a number of key contracts with engineering sector employers and growth in apprentice numbers is already significant, increasing from 19 in 2015 to 47 in 2016. The project has also attracted high quality staff to join the college and take this project forward. The LEP Skills Capital Grant has enabled us to work with employers in the engineering sector to create the workshops and facilities to enable the College to deliver a range of programmes which are required by the advanced engineering sector. We have developed programmes from entry level through to higher levels, including working with our university partner to develop a Foundation Degree ready for delivery as a Higher Apprenticeship from September 2017. We have worked in partnership with employers to develop 9 different Apprenticeship pathways in engineering to meet industry needs, including offering two Engineering Trailblazer Apprenticeship standards at Level 3 (one of only four providers nationally to offer this new employer-led Apprenticeship).
Civil Engineering The College has worked with employers to create a civil engineering offer to meet industry needs, including an Apprenticeship offer at levels 2 and 3 and the development of a level 4/5 civil engineering offer to be delivered as a Higher Apprenticeship from January 2017. We already have recruited 19 apprentices on a civil engineering programme this year and this number is set to increase.
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Digital The College is pioneering new provision in Games and Animation Production, which has been highly sought after by both employers and learners at level 3. Working with UWE, this has been developed as a Foundation Degree offered at Weston College with the College and UWE now preparing progression to a full Bachelors Degree for September 2017. There are already 66 learners on the level 3 and 29 on the Foundation Degree programme. In addition we are now also developing one of the first Degree Apprenticeships in Applied Computing with UWE ready for delivery from September 2017. Learner numbers are 144% of the planned enrolments at 1286 as opposed to the planned 890 demonstrating a high level of return on investment for the LEP. The Future Technology Centre project has enabled the College to already deliver wider outcomes and impacts from the LEP investment and this will continue over the next five years as the reputation of the Centre grows. The Skills Capital grant has enabled the College to create the facilities, and more importantly, facilitated the ability of the College to accelerate the development of new curriculum and growth of learner numbers to meet the skills needs of employers in the region.
• Identify lessons learned from the previous project and explain how these lessons will be applied to the proposed project maximum 100 words
The team have a successful record of project delivery but lessons learned include:
• Early engagement with employers – which enabled development of a curriculum to meet their needs and skills gaps as well as a pipeline of learners. We will replicate this for this new facility, designing in time early in the process to consult with employers and learners.
• Bird control - Planning of bird control at design stage to minimise the retrofitting of bird proofing products
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
Section 8: Measurable Project Objectives Measurable Project o Outputs Provide a minimum of three specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time framed (SMART) objectives/outputs for the proposed capital 8.1 project.
The new Construction Skills Centre for infrastructure construction will directly support both employers and learners across the WE LEP area and will meet the following objectives:
• Creating an industry-standard infrastructure construction skills centre for the West of England - The project will provide a unique, accessible flagship training centre for infrastructure, civils, plant operations and scaffolding not currently available in the WE LEP area by January 2019. The centre will be modular for flexibility and attractive to learners, reflecting a realistic construction environment.
• Meeting employer demand - Through the employer-focused curriculum and training offered from the new Construction Skills Centre the project will help meet the skills needs of employers across the wider WE LEP area and neighbouring regions. It will further support the highlighted shortage of skilled workers regionally and nationally. We will develop 20 new programmes in response to employer demand by September 2019.
• Increased construction skills capacity - By the end of the Construction Centre’s third full year of operation the project will have provided training to over 3600 learners – upskilling existing workers and attracting newcomers into the construction sector.
• Delivering Apprenticeship Growth - By the end of the third full year of operation (July 2022) it is anticipated over 160 additional Apprenticeships will have been created.
The Centre will seek to be an earlier adopter to the new Apprenticeship Standards in this sector as they are approved. For example we will offer the new Constructive Equipment Operative / Groundworker apprenticeship standard when it is approved.
maximum 200 words
West of England LEP Draft Skills Capital Fund Application Form v1 Weston College Application – April 2017
West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
APPENDIX 1.8
Options Appraisal
West of England LEP Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
APPENDIX 1.8 ASSESSMENT OF OPTIONS TO ACHIEVE DESIRED OUTCOMES
Options Assessment for Infrastructure Construction Skills Training Facility,
Scoring matrix: 0 – Does not meet the project objectives 1 – Provides a contribution but does not fulfil the project objectives 2 – Adequately meets the project objectives 3 – Significantly meets the needs of the project objectives
Current / Impact on Quality Value for Accessibility Timescale for TOTAL Potential delivery of Money delivery Capacity project objectives Option 1 0 - - - - - 0 Do nothing None Option 2 0 - - - - - 0 Existing None Site Option 3 Joint 1 1 1 1 1 1 project Possible with Quality cannot be There are no Unknown. At risk due to 6 another guaranteed with other training Potential to co- requirement for training another training providers to invest in land joint venture provider provider partner with, purchase, which operation and who have the is a lengthy complex facilities process. management required, in model the LEP area.
A complex management
Appendix 1.8 Assessment of Options Page | 1 West of England LEP Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
structure would be required incurring additional cost Option 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Joint YTL had offered a approach site for the with centre at Filton employer Airfield.
However, the site offered was in proximity to a potential other provider, risking duplication Option 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 18 Offer of North Somerset Facility will The facility will be North Land will be in Building start – land with Council is be designed designed by Weston Somerset the LEP area, September good offering land to provide College to provide a Council has accessible to all 2017. access to within the M5 J21 the skills high quality committed to participants Building M5 Enterprise Area needed by learning provide across the LEP completion the environment in a suitable land. area and December 2018 construction real life setting. neighbouring industry and Training will be areas. Weston College to fulfil provided by Weston has extensive project College in experience of demand. accordance with its completing new Quality Assurance build projects processes and on time befitting its Ofsted Outstanding status.
Appendix 1.8 Assessment of Options Page | 2 West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
Appendix 1.10 Internal Review Construction Internal Review
Groundworks, Infrastructure and Scaffolding Skills Project Name Centre Project Review Date 9 February 2017 Reviewer Name Mr Ian Porter Weston College Governing Body – Chair Capital Project Reviewer Organisation Working Group (CPWG)
Reviewer Address Knightstone Rd Weston Super Mare BS23 2AL
Reviewer Contact Email [email protected]
Reviewer Contact Telephone Number 01934 411 411
Capital Build Project Review Reviewers Comments The need centres around Employability across a LEP Priority Sector. The project will complement existing College skills training provision relating to construction trades. Following extensive consultation with Sector employers inside and outside of the West of England Has a viable need been established for LEP region, this project will deliver training in Civils and the project? Groundwork and requires a separate site to cater for heavy plant training and land access for training in practice. The College does not have this in its existing Estate, therefore the acquisition is required to create this facility. Yes the project has stated benefits to learners, employers and stakeholders. Are there stated benefits to the project e.g. benefits to learners, benefits to employers, stakeholder networking, community or economic benefits?
Yes, the Capital Project Working Group note that there has been extensive and continuous dialogue with North Somerset Council (and the West of England LEP) Has the organisation considered suitable in exploring a variety of options. options to progress this project?
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West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
In line with other Capital Projects, a risk register has been completed.
Has the organisation considered all the risks associated with the project?
Groundworks, Infrastructure and Scaffolding Skills Project Name Centre
Project Review Date 9 February 2017
Reviewer Name Mr Ian Porter Weston College Governing Body – Chair Capital Project Reviewer Organisation Working Group Reviewer Address Knightstone Rd Weston Super Mare BS23 2AL Reviewer Contact Email [email protected]
Reviewer Contact Telephone Number 01934 411 411
Capital Build Project Review Reviewers Comments The Capital Project Working Group note that this is in line with previous projects, which have had a track record of being delivered within the associated Is the project planned to an achievable timescales. timescale?
It is noted that the execution strategy is valid. The project is ambitious, however partnership and Is the project and its execution strategy stakeholder support is strong and the project offers valid, cost-effective and realistic in terms long term cost effectiveness. of accomplishing its stated objectives?
Yes in line with previous capital projects, the Capital Project Working Group can verify that the College has a Has the organisation got a suitable track strong track record of projects being completed on record in delivering capital projects on time and within budget. time and within budget?
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West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
The College is very experienced on Capital Projects and has a robust governance structure, with the knowledge and experience to compete this project. The Capital Has the organisation got the experience Project Working Group note that the project relies on and knowledge to complete this project? continued strong partnership work with North Somerset Council and other external partners, and believe at this time, that this support has the viable long term future, to enable economic growth.
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West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
APPENDIX 1.10
Internal/Third Party Scheme Review West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
APPENDIX 2.1
Accommodation and Capital Investment Strategy
Weston College of Further and Higher Education
Accommodation and Capital Investment Strategy
2017 to 2019
Weston College of Further and Higher Education
Accommodation and Capital Investment Strategy 2017 to 2019
Accommodation and Capital Investment Strategy
Introduction Weston College aims to ensure that every learner achieves their goal and simultaneously achieves outstanding success. This process is enhanced by providing inspirational and modern teaching and learning spaces.
Background For the last two decades Weston-super-Mare has experienced a growing population due to national house builders developing new communities on the outskirts of the town and exploiting its excellent transport links to Bristol and the southwest via the M5 corridor and South West peninsular railway. This has resulted in a favourable movement in the demographics of Weston-super-Mare by which the population generally, and the 16-18 and young adults in particular, has seen a steady increase of over 2% per annum in the last decade, this is in contrast to the age demographics nationally.
In addressing the priority areas and reflecting the demographic trends within Weston- super-Mare, the impact of the increase in full time students has led to concentrated activity during the normal working day of 9.00am - 4.30pm, which places greater pressure upon accommodation and resources to deliver full time programmes in that timeframe. Pressures have been particularly apparent within the key priority area of construction, health and wellbeing, the areas of performing arts, sport and residential learners with learning difficulties and disabilities (LLDD), which hitherto has had to be sourced from outside the region at great cost to the Local Authority and inconvenience to learners. The Accommodation and Capital Investment Strategy has been created to ensure that a phased approach is followed to deliver the required improvements that match the aspirations of the College and the wider community and businesses.
The enhancements made to the College’s property portfolio since incorporation have been considerable, with four significant projects successfully completed (some with the support of the then Learning & Skills Council and some with funding grants from the EFA, SFA and LEP) including major projects to provide two additional campuses with capacity for expansion. These developments have made a major impact on improving the estate and the learning environment from what could only be described, at incorporation, as unsatisfactory accommodation. Today the estate is one which can be described as generally good, and in places outstanding, but one which requires further development if that accommodation is to match the College’s ambition to be outstanding throughout and meet the needs of future curricula.
In future developments, Weston College seeks to provide accommodation which adapts speedily and flexibly to changes in LEP and employer priorities, demand in student numbers and subject choices, which will be delivered via a balance of refurbishment and new build.
Weston College has also played the prominent role, as sponsor, in the development of the Inspirational Futures Trust; a multi-academy schools trust. This has included the North Somerset Enterprise and Technical College which is housed in bespoke accommodation for 700 pupils on the Enterprise Zone in Weston-Super-Mare which opened in September 2016, and the development of the Bristol Futures Academy
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which operates from a refurbished property in Bristol which opened in September 2016.
Description and evaluation of the estate As of March 2017, Weston College is based on three main sites in the town:
Knightstone Campus This acts as the administrative town centre HQ and comprises 15,210m2 of space in an eight storey tower block and a separate LLDD workshop. The building contains 65 general purpose classrooms and IT spaces and has been extensively modernised since incorporation. A modern two-storey frontage extension was added in 1998; containing hair & beauty salons and care and early years’ curriculum. To the rear is the Performing Arts Centre which was remodelled during summer 2012 to form 6 dance and drama studios with modern facilities and incorporated a new roof, improved ventilation, heating and cooling.
The remainder of the Knightstone Campus provides general purpose classrooms housing the Service Sector Faculties, Inclusive Practice Faculty, Library Plus, HE and contains a small sports-hall, catering outlet and central administration.
Most of the space in this block is assessed as Category A with a successful bid to the Colleges’ capital Condition Fund enabling the remainder of previously Category D space to be upgraded into high-quality LDD spaces in 2014.
Situated next to the Knightstone Campus is the Weston College Conference Centre comprising 1,079m2 which is housed in a renovated 19th century schoolhouse. This renovation was completed in late 2011 and is a welcome addition providing appropriate spaces for large group activities, examinations, conferences, enrolments and similar events.
The Knightstone Campus is also “landlocked” by virtue of adjacent main/access roads and residential dwelling with associated planning restrictions. There is no open ground on which to expand so the only alternative is relatively modest and occasional remodelling of existing space. The College has a long-term aspiration to expand the availability of space in the town centre and this has recently been made possible by the first phase of LEP funding to create a Law and Professional Services Academy.
The College also hires the nearby Blakehay Theatre – a small municipal theatre comprising a 199 seat auditorium and associated rehearsal spaces - for performing arts students to supplement dance and drama studios.
University Campus This modern state–of-the-art complex houses a two-storey building of 8,134m2, which includes a six classroom extension added in summer 2014. The building has two main functions:
A centre for creative arts, design and music comprising 38 specialist art and music studios plus rehearsal/practice spaces and associated support facilities. A Sixth Form Centre containing 20 classrooms and laboratories mostly catering for A-Level students. This includes an extension providing four extra teaching spaces
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completed in September 2012 and associated works designed to improve the supervision of this space by Faculty Head, expand the social facilities by infilling the atrium and expand Library Plus.
The site also has catering space, a small sports pitch and recreational areas. This campus has considerable potential for further development due to its relative abundance of available land. The College secured a 35 year lease from the Local Authority for the land immediately adjacent to the College buildings commencing in June 2016. The College has identified this campus as having the potential to offer a new base for an expanded Health and Active Living Skills Centre. Planning permission has been secured to construct a biology wing at the campus (part of the ambition to create the Health and Wellbeing centre) but an amended planning application will be needed to realise the full extension now required.
Weston Bay During summer and autumn 2012, the College acquired and refurbished The Bay Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare, to provide residential accommodation for students with learning difficulties and disabilities, in particular those on the autism spectrum. For the first time this provides the community with a localised and cost-effective facility that has been a major priority for the North Somerset Council. This project was part- funded via a regional EFA capital grant.
South West Skills Campus (SWSC) This 3.4 hectare site provides a total of 12,050m2 of accommodation which has grown by over 30% since its acquisition in autumn 2009. It was previously the site of the vacated Bushacre Business Park and Clarks Shoe Factory in Locking Road. Extensive conversion and adaptation has occurred on a phased basis coupled with a new build to gradually become fit for purpose.
The SWSC site contains: Construction & Engineering Centre of Excellence (CECE) -This building includes carpentry and joinery; a brick workshop; electrical installation workshops with enhancements reflecting a growing need for renewable energies and plumbing. This faculty also includes motor vehicle workshops and has been supplemented by taking over workshop & showroom space (previously leased to the Renault franchise) from 2013/14 academic year.
Growth in demand for extra workshop space has been stimulated by the expansion of automotive engineering in 2012, 2013 and again in summer 2014 as new specialisms have been developed and through natural growth in existing provision as further levels of study are added.
The Lord Baker Enterprise Centre - In April 2013, the college opened a bespoke BEC (Business Enterprise Centre – see below) which comprises four new classrooms, offices, an enhanced LibraryPlus for the entire campus and vastly improved catering facilities. This replaced a previous facility which was demolished through being condemned as Category D. The Skills Funding Agency contributed £1.127m through the Enhanced Renewal Grant Phase 2 (ERG2).
The Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) is an administration unit which is used to service the College’s work-related employer responsive activity e.g. apprenticeships,
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NEETS, the ‘Aspire’ programme, pre-employment programmes and bespoke consultancy work.
The Partnership Building - This is a new multi-purpose building that accommodates the College’s partnership activity. It contains four classrooms and associated support facilities and provides a focus for teaching and liaison with external partners.
The Sustainability Centre - The College has a prominent regional profile in delivering training in environmental technologies and progressed this further through the development of an Eco House. This incorporates all the latest features within a single practical training facility. It is also used to accommodate the English and maths delivery at the SWSC.
Main campus entrance - In May 2013 the College commenced two major phases of the modernisation of SWSC. A grant of £2.8million was secured from the SFA ERG3 programme to construct a new two-storey southern frontage containing workshops, classrooms and offices through a combination of demolition, refurbishment and new build which was opened in September 2014.
Engineering Centre – The first phase of the development of the Engineering Centre was opened in September 2015. The new workshops include facilities for bench and aircraft fitting, machining, inspection, fabrication, welding and engineering maintenance. They also accommodate CNC and CAD training, materials lab, 3D printing, a hydraulic, pneumatics and PLC workshop and composite manufacture workshops.
Future Technology Centre – This flagship facility is used to up-skill learners with “work ready” technology skills, across the following curriculum areas: ICT, creative & digital, advanced engineering/civil engineering & automated manufacturing and low carbon so that learners are both sector and technology ready, with skills for current and future employment.
Equipped with the latest technology and state of the art industry linked teaching spaces, this centre of excellence incorporates technology related employability skills into entry level - level 4 courses, with progression pathways designed in partnership with employers/universities to provide a technology ready workforce for new and established SME employers.
This projected values at £4.2 million was 65% funded by the LEP and was completed in April 2016.
Law and Professional Services Academy The West of England Law and Professional Services Academy project, is an inspirational learning centre, in a high profile location, serving as a unique flagship enterprise to provide dynamic industry recognised vocational routes to employment, in conjunction with employers, in the following areas:
Law and justice services e.g. commercial, criminal, civil and international law, Ministry of Justice, Crown Prosecution Service, youth justice. Finance services e.g. banking, investments, insurance and pensions. Accountancy services e.g. accountancy, audit, taxation, PAYE.
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Professional services e.g. leadership and management, sales, marketing, HR, quality, business support services, event management, sustainability, consultancy, planning, export, statutory regulation and compliance.
This project has been funded by the LEP to the value of £19.392 million with the Wintergardens being donated to the College by North Somerset Council as match funding.
Phase 1 involved the purchase and refurbishment of the Arosfa Hotel in Weston- super-Mare. This took place in 2016 and the facility opened to business students in September 2016.
Phase 2 involves the conversion and refurbishment of the Winter Gardens. Funding for this significant building project was confirmed by the LEP in early 2016 and since that time the Weston College project team has advanced the refurbishment and extension of the property. This work is on programme to be completed in July 2017 with students starting to access the bespoke state of the art facility from September 2017. The College is extremely grateful for the support the West of England LEP has given to this major project.
Nature of the learners and the associated demand for space In future there are felt to be four main drivers increasing demand for space:
The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership
From 2015/16 the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been tasked by central government to channel public funds for capital in a locally co-ordinated manner to support regional priorities. West of England (Bristol) LEP has identified five priority sectors and two emerging sectors: Advanced Manufacturing and engineering Creative and Digital High tech Professional Services Low Carbon Construction – infrastructure Health and life sciences
The College recognises the need to invest significantly in capital facilities for both Infrastructure Construction and the Health sectors. Currently the College has no facilities to meet the growing infrastructure construction training requirements of the region, especially in light of the Hinkley Point C project, and crucially there is no training provision available in the West of England to meet these requirements.
There is a need to expand the facilities for the Health sector to meet the growing demands for skills by health sector employers in existing and new curriculum areas, including addressing the growing need to support the Health Prevention and Condition Management agenda. The NHS 5 Year Forward View makes very clear the level of investment required in ensuring a multi-skilled and resilient workforce in the health sector.
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16-18 students Over the last five years there has been a large increase in learners from the 16-18 priority age group that have selected Weston College for their studies and this is projected to increase through demographics and by attracting students from neighbouring catchments. These 16-18 year old learners have been studying on traditional full-time or work based learning/apprenticeship programmes and demand for modern classrooms, laboratories and workshops that stimulate learning and replicate the real workplace environment. This must be tempered to reflect the accommodation needs associated with changes in programmes of study which were introduced from 2013/14 and which were further extended as a condition of funding from 2014/15.
Adult FE students Although the College recognises the importance of 16-18 year old learners, it is also increasingly focused upon accommodation needs to deliver other priorities, in particular, adult learner and employer responsive training through adult apprenticeships and LLDD provision. Development planned for the future will include further expansion of the Weston Bay provision detailed above.
More recently there has been significant focus on working with the Job Centre Plus/Department of Work and Pensions to address the skills needed for the unemployed and those facing redundancy. The increasing emphasis is for the College to deliver provision which meets national priorities and local needs.
The College works in close collaboration and partnership not only with the SFA, EFA and LEP but with other organisations across the West of England, such as 11-16 schools and local employers, through its employer engagement programme, all of whom support these developments.
The College has already redeployed space as a consequence of government policy to prioritise the employability agenda over the adult learner provision. The introduction of adult learner loans from 2013/14 has led to further adjustments in this regard. Demand for space from “Access to HE” FE students, now within the age 24+ Adult Learner Loans, continues to be evident. Requirements here are for general purpose classrooms and laboratories.
Higher Education students Weston College has a dynamic and thriving Higher Education curriculum delivered in partnership with local universities. From 2012/13 this was supplemented by directly- funded numbers. That year also saw the introduction of the higher HE fees and a consequent increase in expectations and competitive pressures from other providers resulting from this, which were met. The significance of this is that despite increased fees and competitive pressures, HE at Weston College has a buoyant future and will require ongoing investment.
The implication of the need to provide a vibrant HE experience was to upgrade the Knightstone Campus 6th Floor HE spaces with more versatile and state-of-the-art teaching spaces over the summer of 2013.
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The residential accommodation outsourced to a private provider also remains under scrutiny. The college manages the risk, through formal contract, of protecting its and its residents’ interests and will always be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of this strategy and whether an alternative, in-house, arrangement may be preferable in the future. The College will always remain vigilant to protect its interests and ensure the security of a ready supply of good quality student accommodation at reasonable rent. At the present time the College is also inundated with requests from property developers interested in developing such accommodation.
In November 2015 the College was awarded University Centre status and now holds this with both of its partnering universities: Bath Spa University and UWE. It is now the ambition of the College to grow HE student numbers and to create a true university concept in the accommodation that it offers. One area that is limiting this development is the lack of sport facilities and this issue remains a priority for the College and one that it must address if it is to fully realise its HE ambitions.
The HE provision at the College was subject to Higher Education Review in 2016. This rigorous process made no recommendations for change and the College received commendations for its approach.
Floor space Utilisation The College was scrutinised by the FE Commissioner in 2016 as part of the Area Review process. This confirmed that the space utilisation at the College was ahead of other colleges in the sector.
The floor space utilisation of the various campuses can be described as follows:
Knightstone Campus - Intensively used in all areas. Demands by HE partners to maintain dedicated specialist spaces for performing arts and drama.
Conference Centre - Suitable only for occasional mainstream teaching due to large-space ambience and commercial pressures to establish as a resource from which to diversify the College’s income streams. Usage of the facility is good and is occupied for 80% of the time.
University Campus - Major demand for more space from the Sixth Form side of the College. The four classroom extension, atrium infill and LibraryPlus expansion in 2012 only partially offset the problem and a further extension took place in 2014. The Creative Arts wing, as with parts of the Knightstone estate, is subject to requirements for dedicated creative arts spaces. These necessitate specialist workshops to cover the various art disciplines, which are invariably space hungry. Students need access to their practical materials outside of formal teaching sessions to work on their particular learning briefs and projects. However even here space utilisation is high.
Southwest Skills Campus - this campus is still under development so space utilisation is lower than at the other two campuses, however the recruitment of engineering students is encouraging and it is anticipated that the number of students will increase significantly in the future.
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Future Capital Investment Despite significant investment in recent years, Weston College has identified the need to further expand the property portfolio.
Health & Active Living Skills Centre The West of England Local Skills Sector Statement 2016 identified that improved mechanisms to support the key health and social care priorities for the West of England region area required through the expansion of existing facilities to support areas of human capital growth through training and workforce development.
The NHS 5 Year Forward View and Health Education England outline the challenges they face resulting from funding cuts, an ageing workforce and the low levels of 16- 24 year old training to work in this sector, which contribute to a growing skills gap.
Weston College is well-placed to respond to the health and social care skills’ need priorities by creating a facility that can deliver training to create a flexible, multi-skilled and resilient workforce for the wider region. The Health & Active Living Centre will be located at Loxton Road University Campus and will provide state of the art equipment, specialist health and active living facilities, together with a digital infrastructure which will support the College’s e-Learning Agenda. It will comprise a suite of classrooms, independent learning zones, a six-bed hospital ward simulation suite, two laboratories, a physiotherapy and fitness suite; individual consultation rooms for College and visiting professionals’ use, together with sports and exercise facilities. It is our aim that local residents will use the facility for community sports activities as well as for referrals for health need and intervention classes delivered by visiting professionals (smoking cessation, obesity clinics, active living, mental health).
A proposal to advance this vision was reviewed by the Capital Project Working Group in February 2017 and presented to Corporation on 9th February 2017. The Corporation confirmed the concept and the College will progress its application for capital skills funding for the project through the West of England LEP.
Groundworks, Infrastructure and Scaffolding Skills Centre The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership has highlighted infrastructure construction skills as a key priority in its Local Skills Sector Statement 2016, with the highest requirement being for civil engineers and civil engineering operatives, trade managers and site supervisors, construction operatives and plant mechanics and fitters. This is driven by high levels of infrastructure and building projects in the West of England LEP and neighbouring areas and the draw on resources by the Hinkley Point C project.
Weston College is well-positioned to support this skills training need and to provide high quality, employer-focused infrastructure skills training.
Recent investment in the College’s South West Skills Campus has increased and improved College capacity to provide training in general construction trades. However the specialist provision of civil engineering and groundworks, including
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heavy plant operations and scaffolding, requires larger scale facilities and exterior training area for which there is currently no capacity.
The ambition is to create a new Infrastructure Construction Skills Training Centre designed around the identified skills training needs. The centre will incorporate large civils workshop, scaffolding arena, classrooms and IT suites, open learning zone cafe as well as extensive exterior working area for groundworks. Ideally the centre will be located within the M5 Junction 21 Enterprise Area and therefore in close proximity to West of England LEP and Hinkley C.
A proposal to advance this vision was reviewed by the Capital Project Working Group in February 2017 and presented to Corporation on 9th February 2017. The Corporation confirmed the concept and the College will progress its application for capital skills funding for the project through the West of England LEP.
Sports Academy Weston College is advancing its sports provision rapidly and in the recent past created the Academy of Sport. The Academy of Sport offers aspiring sportsmen and women an opportunity to further develop their potential. The College provides students of the Academy of Sport with outstanding coaching, training and support both individually and as a team.
The current facilities at the College are adequate but do not match the ambition for this area. The vision for the Weston College Academy of Sport is to become the best College in the UK for sports performance, coaching and development. This will also support the growth in HE student numbers. In order to meet these aspirations Weston College needs facilities that are unique, high class and performance driven. The minimum requirements to meet existing and future developments include: a four court sports hall, 30 station fitness suite, power/ lifting room, fitness studio, sports therapy room, meeting/analysis/conference room, staff room/office, bistro and indoor revolving climbing wall.
A proposal to advance this vision was reviewed by the Capital Project Working Group in December 2015 and presented to Corporation on 17th December 2015. The Corporation confirmed the concept and would look to supplement any grants etc. available from the West of England LEP and others.
LLDD Residential Weston College pays particular focus to students with learning difficulties and disabilities (LLDD). As described above, the creation of the Weston Bay residential facility has been hugely successful and the College has been approached to replicate this within other parts of the region. In addition the College would like to develop its LLDD provision further with potentially another residential facility within North Somerset, this could be linked to the Health and Active Living development.
The College is currently advancing the purchase of a specialist SEND facility in Weston-super-mare which would enable the College to provide more high quality provision for SEND young people in the region, reducing the need for Local Authorities in the West of England to have to send learners with SEND out of area at great expense and often not meeting the needs of the individual.
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A proposal to advance the LLDD provision further was reviewed at the Capital Projects Working Group and approved by the Corporation in December 2015. The Corporation confirmed the concept and would look to supplement any grants etc. available from the West of England LEP and others.
Nailsea Until 2012 Weston College operated from a property in Nailsea. Originally the surplus accommodation was offered for sale. The condition of the property market and the location has meant that only low bids have been received circa £300k. In autumn 2015 the College decided that it should look to develop the site for a mixed use- part retail and part residential. A scheme was designed and this has been submitted for outline planning permission. If this is approved the College would look to either sell the site or, which is the preference, develop the site itself. This could potentially link back to the advancement of the LLDD provision described above.
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West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
APPENDIX 2.5ii
Capital Equipment Costing Sheet
West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017
Appendix 2.5 ii Capital Equipment Costs
Total Project Eligible Amount to be Cost Heading Item Expenditure Claimed Equipment for plant maintenance Plant maintenance trainingtraining £120,000.00 £120,000.00 Building fixtures, fittings and Building fit-out equipment £150,000.00 £150,000.00
Small civils training equipment £10,000.00 £10,000.00 Excavators, diggers, dumpers, scaffolding equipment, lifting Major Plant Training equipment £220,000.00 £220,000.00
TOTAL £500,000 £500,000.00 West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
APPENDIX 4.8
Letter from
Chief Financial Officer
West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
APPENDIX 5.1
Project Programme
Weston College New Construction Skills Campus
Exported on 03 April 2017 11:14:01 o'clock WEST Page 1 of 1 West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
APPENDIX 5.6i
Capital Build Project Team Organogram
West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017
Capital Project Working Governing Body Appendix 5.6i Group Capital Build Project Team Dr Paul Phillips Principal & Chief Executive
LEADERSHIP BOARD
Chris Wade Peter Sloman Dave Trounce Anthony Murray Linda Burlison Jacqui Ford Andrea Greer Executive Lead Finance Director Group Director, Curriculum Group Director, HE & Group Director, Estates Group Director, Partnership Group Director, HR, Paul Keegan Inspirational Futures Quality & Student Quality Systems Marketing & Systems & Academies Offender Learning & College Commercial Development Trust Experience Reputation
Linda Burlison Capital Project Lead
Internal Team External Team
Design Team Build Team Facilities & Internal Fit-Out – Lynda Neate, Facilities Manager Architect – View Architects Quantity Survey/Cost Consultant – Chappell Health & Safety – Rory O’Connor, Health & Safety Advisor Design Team – View Architects Chartered Quantity Surveyors IT Infrastructure – Matt Beaver, Head of IT Architectural Design – Jones King Project Manager – Chappell Chartered Quantity Marketing & Communication – Lisa Fletcher, Head of MAC Mechanical & Electrical Design – Electrical Design Surveyors Operational Financial Management – Peter Sloman, Finance Director Planning Supervisor – TBC Curriculum Development & Stakeholder Engagement – Structural Engineer – TBC Andy Davidson, Executive Director Construction & Engineering Electrical Engineer – Jones King Steve Caldwell, Head of Faculty Construction & Engineering Mechanical Engineer – Jones King Project Monitoring (LEP requirements) – Jo Watson, Executive Director Civil Engineering – Craddys Evaluation – TBC Legal – Foot Anstey Project Coordination – Sarah Hacker, Bid Manager West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
APPENDIX 5.6ii
Operational Delivery Team Organogram
West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017
Capital Project Working Governing Body Appendix 5.6 ii Group Operational Delivery Team Organogram Dr Paul Phillips Principal & Chief Executive
LEADERSHIP BOARD
Chris Wade Peter Sloman Dave Trounce Anthony Murray Linda Burlison Jacqui Ford Andrea Greer Executive Lead Finance Director Group Director, Curriculum Group Director, HE & Group Director, Estates Group Director, Partnership Group Director, HR, Paul Keegan Inspirational Futures Quality & Student Quality Systems Marketing & Systems & Academies Offender Learning & College Commercial Development Trust Experience Reputation
Andy Davidson Executive Director, Construction & Engineering Employer Consultation Activity Project Lead
Internal Team
Marketing & Communication – Lisa Fletcher, Head of MAC Operational Financial Management – Peter Sloman, Finance Director Curriculum Development & Stakeholder Engagement – Steve Caldwell, Head of Faculty Engineering & Construction Project Monitoring (LEP requirements) – Jo Watson, Executive Director Evaluation & Stakeholder Engagement – Sarah Hacker, Bid Manager West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
APPENDIX 6.2
Risk Register
West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
Appendix 6.2 Risk Register Risk Rating Probability Low Medium High Low Green Green Amber Impact Medium Green Amber Red High Amber Red Red
Actions to Mitigate
Mitigation(L/M/H) Mitigation(L/M/H)
ProbabilityAfter
Residual Impact
AfterMitigation
Consequence ResidualRisk
Red / AmberRed / /
GreenRating
RatingAfter
Risk Owner
Probability
Residual
(L/M/H) (L/M/H) (L/M/H)
Impact
Risk Risk
1. Failure to secure a LEP may not be in a Provisional heads of terms are Heads of Terms within position to fund the being submitted with the bid which acceptable timeframe project have been agreed by the Council Officers in principle, and North Weston Somerset Council is committed to College attracting the new training centre Project to the area, thereby providing Team confidence that once due process L H L L L is followed, heads of terms will be forthcoming. A letter of full support is provided with the Stage 2 application from the Chief Executive of North Somerset Council. It should be noted that a number of potential sites have been identified so there is the Page | 1
West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
potential to move to another site if required. 2. Failure to secure a Wider search would be North Somerset has offered suitable site required multiple site options and the Weston L M College has a strong track record L L L College in sourcing suitable sites Estates Team 3. Failure to complete the Delay in funding, in Mitigated by the College’s strong Weston project on time and Centre opening, and track record of delivering capital College within budget learner intake projects both on time and within Project budget. Our approach to project Team management as described in this L L L L L application and the thorough work completed in preparation of this proposal which reduces the likelihood of unforeseen delays or expenses 4. Prime construction Delay in project whilst The College has a robust Weston contractor ceases replacement contractor approach to supply chain College L M L L L trading appointed procurement and framework of Project proven suppliers Team 5. Failure to secure match Project may be unable Agreements are in place, Weston funding to proceed approved by Weston College College L H Capital Working Group (and L L L Project Governors) and the Chief Team Executive for match funding. 6. Failure to secure the Revision of design / North Somerset Council owns the Weston necessary planning site location would be land, which is in a development College requirements required Project area. Consultation has already L H L L L Team taken place with the Planning Authority and initial feedback is positive. The College will work
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West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
actively with the planners to ensure consent is secured at the earliest opportunity.
7. Inability to recruit high Centre cannot run high Mitigated by an experienced HR Weston calibre staff with quality provision Department, competitive terms College Project industry experience L H and conditions and a clear L H L Team - recruitment strategy to attract the HR best talent 8. Change in Government The operating plan Failure to receive capital funding Weston Policy for funding requires revision to will prohibit the College from College increase full cost Project delivering this proposal. The training income or Team - other sources recent announcements around the Finance Government’s Industrial Strategy indicate a continued commitment and strengthening of commitment to funding high quality training which responds to the L M requirements of employers in key L M L sectors. The College will work actively with partners in the new Combined Authority to ensure as far as possible devolved funding for skills is made available for learners who would benefit from the new Health and Active Living Skills Centre across the West of England
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West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
9. Failure to engage Failure to design an The new Construction Skills Weston employers attractive offer to Centre has been designed in College employers – failure to Project partnership with employers to deliver operating plan Team - ensure it directly meets their needs. This is critical for ensuring L H L H M their engagement and willingness to utilise and value the facilities for their employees and new recruits. A clear employer engagement strategy will be in place. 10. Failure to attract Failure to deliver The College has a strong track Weston learners operating plan and record with attracting learners to College generate revenue its provision demonstrated by Project continual and significant growth in Team L H the last ten years. A strong L H L marketing and communications plan will be in place to ensure the Centre attracts learners.
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West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
APPENDIX A
Letters of Support
1. North Somerset Council 2. Civil Engineering Contractors Association - CECA 3. Churngold 4. Alun Griffiths 5. Dancourt 6. Tercon 7. Bath & NE Somerset Council 8. SBG Scaffolding 9. Dawnus 10. GallifordTry 11. Bristol City Council 12. South Gloucestershire Council
Date: 4April2Ol7 My ref: MJ/sms/ ort Contact: Mike Jackson Somerset Direct dial: 01934 634972 \ C 0 U N C IL Email: mike.jacksonn-somerset.gov.uk a unitary authority Chief Executive North F Somerset Council Henry Lawes Town Hall Education Partnership Manager Weston-super-Mare West of England Local Enterprise Partnership BS23 1UJ Engine Shed Temple Meads DX 8411 Weston-super-Mare Bristol LBS16QH
Dear Mr Lawes
Weston College Proposal to West of England Local Enterprise Partnership Local Growth Fund for the Infrastructure Construction Training Centre
On behalf of North Somerset Council, I am offering my continued support to Weston College’s application to access Skills Capital Funding to develop a Construction Skills Training Facility to address the shortage of specialist training facilities in the region for infrastructure construction.
We are working in close partnership with the College in developing the plans for the new Construction Training Facility to ensure it is located in a highly accessible position within the M5 Junction 21 Enterprise Area.
With the growth of the construction industry in the West of England, driven by Hinkley Point C and other significant infrastructure projects, there is a clear requirement to support the construction sector, particularly local SMEs, with the supply of a highly skilled workforce. The new Training Centre will address the chronic shortage of training for infrastructure construction in the wider region. The training facility will help many local residents to move into available employment as well as provide training to up-skill the existing workforce.
The Council has identified land within the Junction 21 Enterprise area and agreed provisional Heads of Terms with the College for a lease of 5 years with the option to extend for a further 5 years. We are committed to working with the College in delivering beyond this timeframe to meet industry demand by identifying additional appropriate sites within North Somerset for the Training Centre to relocate to once the existing site is required for other development purposes. The design of the Centre has specifically been created to provide a flexible, adaptable and portable facility so the College can move it to where there is clear demand and accessible appropriate land available in the West of England region.
This project builds on the proven effective partnership approach the Council and the College have established to delivering high quality capital projects on time and to budget, with the Winter Gardens being the most recent and significant example of this successful partnership.
Clearleadership,qualityservices,affordablecounciitax www.n-somerset.gov.uk S TownHa , Weston-super-MareBS23 1UJ I sincerely hope this exciting project will be able to progress with support from the Local Growth Fund, ensuring the region is able to capitalise on the potential economic growth and employment opportunities generated through the significant regional construction projects on the immediate horizon.
Yours sincerely /
f ‘-‘-. ? —
Mike Jackson Chief Executive
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Mr Henry Lawes Community Regeneration Education Partnership Manager Bath & North East Somerset Council West of England Local Enterprise Partnership Lewis House Engine Shed Manvers St Temple Meads Bath, BA1 1JG Bristol BS1 6QH 6th April 2017
Dear Mr Lawes
Bath and North East Somerset Council Support for Weston College Proposal to West of England Local Enterprise Partnership funding for a new Infrastructure Construction Skills Training Centre
For decades local government has struggled to find the appropriately skilled civil engineers and technicians to meet our needs. Using consultants to supplement the workforce does not offer a long term solution to our skills shortage. I am very pleased that Weston College is looking to offer training facilities which will enable us to grow and develop our own staff. A new skills centre should enable staff of all ages to develop their skills and careers.
We are keen to ensure that the Infrastructure Construction Skills Centre is an asset to the region. As such we support this application to access Skills Capital Funding to develop a Construction Skills Training Facility in the Bristol/North Somerset /M5 corridor area, subject to the following:
- That the proposal includes evidence that the planned provision is distinct from what is already available in the region, including the Bath College Construction Skills Centre currently under construction. This evidence should demonstrate that the proposal addresses gaps in provision, taking into account travel to learn areas across the West of England and issues of sufficiency - That plans are set out to engage residents and businesses from across the region, particularly those in Bath & North East Somerset, demonstrating regional benefit - That Weston College intend to collaborate with Bath College and other local training providers to ensure that provision across the West of England is complementary and directly addresses business needs
We recognise that the construction industry is concerned about skills shortages in groundworks, infrastructure and civil engineering. As such a regional training centre for the West of England should be a positive asset to help address these needs.
Yours sincerely
John Wilkinson Divisional Director, Community Regeneration
Bath and North East Somerset – The place to live, work and visit
Reply to Helen Sinclair-Ross Telephone 0117 92 24877 Minicom Fax E-mail [email protected] Our ref Your ref Date 4th April 2017
Education Partnership Manager West of England Local Enterprise Partnership Henry Lawes Engine Shed Temple Meads Bristol BS1 6QH
Dear Mr Lawes,
The support for Weston College Proposal to West of England Local Enterprise Partnership funding for a new Infrastructure Construction Skills Training Centre
On behalf of Bristol City Council I am offering my continued support to Weston College’s application to access Skills Capital Funding to develop a Construction Skills Training Facility in the Bristol / North Somerset /M5 corridor area.
We are pleased the College’s plans for a Construction Skills Training Facility focusing particularly on infrastructure, civils and scaffolding are progressing. Such a training centre will help address the shortage of a skilled workforce in the construction industry, and particularly in the infrastructure sector.
The development of a construction skills training facility will provide a much-needed response to our own construction skills needs and those of other employers in the area and we believe that this new initiative will provide some assistance in addressing the significant skills shortages in construction across the West of England.
I sincerely hope this exciting project will be able to move forward with the support it requires from the Local Enterprise Partnership.
Yours sincerely, Helen Sinclair-Ross
Helen Sinclair Ross HR Manager – Talent and Resourcing Bristol City Council
Department for Environment and Community Services
Mr Henry Lawes Date: 3rd April 2017 Education Partnership Manager Our Ref: HoS/MK/JAB West of England Enquiries to: Mr Mark King Local Enterprise Partnership Tel: 01454 86 3912 The Engine Shed E-mail: [email protected] Temple Meads Bristol BS1 6QH
Dear Mr Lawes
South Gloucestershire Support for Weston College Proposal to West of England Local Enterprise Partnership Funding for a New Infrastructure Construction Skills Training Centre
On behalf of South Gloucestershire Council, I am offering my continued support to Weston College’s application to access Skills Capital Funding to develop a Construction Skills Training Facility in the Bristol/North Somerset/M5 corridor area.
We are pleased the College’s plans for a Construction Skills Training Facility focusing particularly on infrastructure, civils, and scaffolding, are progressing. Such a training centre will help address the shortage of a skilled workforce in the construction industry, and particularly in the infrastructure sector.
The development of a construction skills training facility will provide a much-needed response to our own construction skills needs and those of other employers in the area.
Over recent years, we, in Local Authorities, have found it difficult to recruit into vacant posts for a number of reasons. Firstly, there is a lack of perceived incentive to joining an organisation under financial shortages and, more challenging, there is a lack of talent in the market. Initiatives to develop and encourage our young population into the industry should be encouraged and supported, and I am more than pleased to do both.
I sincerely hope this exciting project will be able to move forward with the support it requires from the Local Enterprise Partnership.
Yours sincerely
Mark King Head of StreetCare and Transport
______Steve Evans, Director for Environment and Community Services, South Gloucestershire Council, StreetCare and Transport Division, P O Box 299, Civic Centre, High Street, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 0DR www.southglos.gov.uk
West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
APPENDIX C
Employer Engagement Strategy
West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
Appendix C – Employer Engagement Strategy
Construction Skills Centre
Draft Employer Engagement Strategy
Introduction:
Weston College Construction Skills Centre has been created to provide highly industry- focused infrastructure construction skills training in the West of England to address the skills shortage in that sector and in responses to LEP, CITB and employer demand.
Objectives of the Construction Skills Centre Create an industry-standard infrastructure construction skills centre to meet the needs of employers in the construction sector from across the wider West of England region by January 2019. Develop over 20 new programmes in response to employer demand, helping to bridge the skills gap and support regional projects by July 2021. Increase construction skills capacity - Provide skills training to 3,700 learners by July 2022 with target groups including 16 -18 year olds, 19+ learners, apprentices, employed and unemployed people. Deliver apprenticeship growth – Create an additional 160 additional apprenticeships, helping to meet the Government apprenticeship agenda Through strategic partnership with UWE, we will create a complete learning pathway for learners from entry levels to higher levels in the West of England for the infrastructure construction sector. As the only infrastructure skills training provision in the WE LEP area, the Centre will provide a pathway from feeder schools and colleges across the region, encouraging young people into the sector.
Employer Engagement Objectives
The strategic objective in Employer Engagement is to build and further develop relationships with employers and industry bodies in the infrastructure construction sector to:
1. Ensure project development is aligned to employer training requirements 2. Ensure skills provision meets the needs of sector employers across the WE LEP region to support requirements in skills training 3. Offer training at the Infrastructure Construction Centre that is current, relevant, fit for purpose and aligned to employer and industry need. 4. Achieve of overall project objectives as detailed above 5. Expand existing employer networks to secure apprenticeship placements for learners who will become the workforce of the future. Page | 1
West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
6. To reach employers across the West of England, including SMEs, and promote awareness of the skills training available through the centre
Action Plan – Pre-build
Construction employers and trade organisations have been fully engaged in informing the building design, curriculum and qualifications. As a result the College is developing and will deliver flexible training programmes to meet the sector’s requirements, including full time vocational training routes, apprenticeships, programmes for the unemployed and high quality CPD routes.
Action Plan 2017/18 Construction Phase:
1. Develop key marketing and PR messages to promote awareness of the Construction Skills Centre and the training to be provided. Tailor marketing to be inclusive and to appeal to all ages and genders, with particular targeting of young people and females.
2. Develop project launch programme.
3. Continue engagement with employers to inform key strands of project development including curriculum development, validity and relevance, and to ensure that resources are industry standard and meet the needs of the developing workforce.
4. Engage with industry bodies to help ‘spread the message’ of the new centre.
5. Consultation with trailblazer groups for new apprenticeship standards under development in respect of infrastructure-related construction.
6. Employer engagement to include group sessions, 1-2-1, events and advisory groups to ensure any changes in skills requirements, sector policies etc are captured and acted upon.
7. Continue quarterly engagement contact with senior sector stakeholders including major employers, LEP, Civil Engineering Contractors Association, CITB and construction employer groups to:
Keep group updated regarding project progress To ensure continued group feedback regarding material sector policy changes To ensure the College remains agile to respond to changing delivery practice models within the sector
8. College departments (Business Enterprise Centre & Business Growth) continue:
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West of England LEP Skills Capital 2017/18 Detailed 2nd Stage Skills Capital Funding Application CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CENTRE April 2017 Ministry of Justice Contract for the Provision of Learning and Skills for Prisoners at HMP Berwyn August 2016
Utilise Labour Market Intelligence to drive new contact development utilising existing B2B initiatives: Business Breakfasts, Lectures, Events, individual meetings. Introducing and promoting College Services to support apprenticeship growth Scheduled review and planning meetings to extend provision, scheduled in-line with agreed targets.
Action Plan from 2019 - Post Build
Implement project launch programme utilising senior sector involvement and representation
Continue engagement plan outlined for Construction Phase, to ensure engagement and support for the Construction Centre continues into operational phase via senior stakeholder engagement; existing and new employer contacts.
Establish new business targets to support apprenticeship throughput projections
Measure success of employer engagement and adapt Employer Engagement Strategy to achieve targeted outcomes.
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