Work on major extension at specialist college gets under way

THE diggers have rolled in as work has started on the construction of a major extension at a specialist college.

Penrith-based civil engineering and groundwork company Grant Ltd has started to lay the foundations for the creation of a new technical workshop, sports pitch and pavilion at the Energy Coast University Technical College (UTC) at Lillyhall, near Workington.

Working with Eric Wright Construction, the team at Grant Ltd will play a key role in the development by carrying out the groundwork and civil engineering aspects of the project, including the creation of a new entrance road, substructure groundworks and drainage systems, followed by all paving work and creating additional car parking spaces. 

The UTC was founded in 2013 and provides academic and technical engineering training through innovative and practical-focused education for young people aged between 14 and 19. The college was rated as outstanding by Ofsted inspectors in 2019.

Grant Ltd is delighted to be part of the project, particularly as it comes on the back of its commitment, alongside Genesis Homes, to offer a considerable apprenticeship programme to students at the Workington-based Lakes College, in addition to providing a mentoring and careers advice package.

Managing director Nicky Gordon said: “Creating better career opportunities for the young people in the county is something that we are extremely passionate about.

“Our companies are dedicating a lot of time towards providing advice and developing young people’s skills to help mould the construction workers and engineers of the future.

“The Energy Coast UTC is truly an outstanding education facility and it will only get better as it expands. We feel really privileged to have the opportunity to play a role in improving the learning experience for all pupils.”

The extension, which is expected to be completed before the start of the 2022-23 academic year, is being carried out on behalf of the Department for Education.

The project has again brought together Grant Ltd and Eric Wright Construction after partnership delivery on care home facilities.