The Construction Skills Centre is a partnership between PHE, Harlow College, Jobcentre Plus, the Construction Industry Training Board, VolkerFitzpatrick, Kier and Wates Construction.

With the aim of training up to 1,000 people within its first year, the centre will offer multiple training courses to help people become work and site ready for potential employment at construction projects across the area.

Karen Spencer, Principal and CEO at Harlow College, said: “This project is another example of where the college is working in partnership with employers to ensure we are developing a skilled local workforce that meets the needs of industry.

“Harlow College is proud to be supporting the construction industry in addressing its skills gap in a way that directly benefits our community.”

The centre was officially opened on Friday 18 October, by the new Programme Director for PHE, Martin John; Karen Spencer, CEO and Principle of Harlow College; and Brian Keane, Chief Executive of Harlow Council.

Martin John, the new Director of the PHE Science Hub Programme, said: “We hope the centre is a clear signal of our strong desire to work with partners in the town and to be a vital member of the Harlow community.

“We have three of the largest construction companies in the country working with us. They will be able to offer a massive amount of knowledge and experience to the hundreds of people either training or working on site.”

A spokesperson representing all three contractors said: “We are proud to be playing key roles in this centre, which will make a significant difference to job and training opportunities within the construction industry in Harlow.”