Work to train and up skill the next generation of plasterers on Teesside has been recognised by one of the industry’s leading UK manufacturers.
Redcar & Cleveland College has been awarded Bronze status from British Gypsum’s Thistle Partnership.
The innovative scheme aims to encourage closer relationships between manufacturers and education providers in a bid to help tackle skills gaps in the construction industry.
Working with 75 further education colleges across the UK, British Gypsum’s Thistle Partnership supports skills and knowledge development by providing students with access to industry relevant materials, training and technical support.
“It is great to be recognised by British Gypsum as they are one of the biggest plastering material providers in the world,” said Redcar & Cleveland College’s plastering lecturer Richard Cochrane.
The college has a longstanding relationship with British Gypsum spanning some 50 years, this helps to ensure that students are familiar with all of the latest industry-relevant kit.
One of just a handful of colleges in the region to deliver full-time courses in plastering, Richard said: “There is a massive skills shortage out there; people are desperate for skilled plasterers. At the college we work with employers and industry experts to make sure our courses are equipping people with the real skills that the industry needs.
“To be awarded Bronze status by British Gypsum recognises the work that we are doing here at the college and the opportunities it opens up to our students.”
David Kehoe, Technical and Training Representative at British Gypsum, said: “As a company we work hard to support the next generation of plasterers and the Thistle Partnership programme is part of this effort. By providing colleges with industry relevant training, materials and support we can help address the current skills gap within the construction industry. Our working relationship with Redcar & Cleveland College is going from strength to strength. This award recognises the college’s dedication and commitment to delivering training in plastering using British Gypsum materials.”
