JTL is set to launch a new apprenticeship training hub in Preston.
The new Preston Training Centre is located in Cable House just outside Preston City Centre.
JTL said it is set to offer training facilities designed to provide apprenticeships in both electrical and plumbing. The region has seen an increase in shortages in the number of electricians and plumbers in recent years, it noted.
With the Lancashire Local Skills Improvement Plan identifying these occupations as priorities for the region, backed by data from the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA)’s analysis of low numbers of apprenticeship starts, JTL stated that this new Preston training centre aligns with its mission to deliver “exceptional training to meet the demands of local employers and the wider building services engineering industry”.
JTL Preston will integrate training on green skills, for example electric vehicle charging techniques, Solar PV installation and battery storage.
The site will offer four electrical courses and one plumbing course, training 256 electrical and 64 plumbing apprentices over a four-year apprenticeship cycle, with the potential for further expansion.
The centre is also supporting the creation of 12 training officer and tutor roles and is set to welcome its first cohort of apprentices in early 2025.
Chris Claydon, chief executive officer of JTL, said: “The launch of our Preston training centre is a pivotal moment for JTL and the local community. By investing in state-of-the-art facilities and fostering partnerships with local employers, we aim to provide high-quality apprenticeship training that directly address the specific skills needs of the region.
“Preston is a key location for us to expand due it being at the heart of Lancashire’s economic development. JTL Preston will play a crucial role in training the next generation of skilled professionals to contribute to a more sustainable future in the building services engineering sector.”
Gary Downes, deliver team manager for JTL Preston, added: “We are thrilled to bring JTL’s renowned training programmes to Preston. Our new centre will not only create job opportunities but also help bridge the skills gap in the local workforce. We work closely with employers to ensure our apprentices receive training that is both relevant and of the highest quality, enabling them to thrive in their careers.”