Hugh Baird College recently welcomed Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, to visit its cutting-edge construction training facilities. The Metro Mayor toured the facilities, meeting with students, apprentices and employer partners, and learned about their ongoing initiatives to provide exceptional training and support to the region’s future workforce.
During the visit, the College showcased its on-campus Modular Building Project in collaboration with Starship Group, which provides Construction and Building Services students with hands-on experience in innovative modular construction techniques. This partnership allows their students to engage directly with modern industry practices, ensuring they are equipped with skills in high demand today and prepared to meet future skills requirements.
The College also highlighted its partnership with Sterling Plastering, emphasising their joint efforts to address the skills gap in the plastering industry. This collaboration reflects their commitment to providing students and apprentices with industry-relevant skills and preparing them to meet the evolving demands of the construction sector.
The Metro Mayor had the opportunity to engage with Plumbing students training on the latest green technologies, including air source heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar thermal systems. These technologies are crucial for the Liverpool City Region’s progress towards its net zero targets, and the College’s students are gaining the essential skills required to lead this transformation.
The Metro Mayor was also briefed on the College’s partnership with Cadent Gas, which focuses on providing students with up-to-date training for thriving careers in the energy sector, including their involvement in an employer-led project at the Hydrogen Village in Ellesmere Port. This project ensures students gain practical, real-world experience with emerging hydrogen technologies, preparing them for the future of sustainable energy.
Kevin Hardy, Head of Manufacturing at Starship Group, said:
“Partnering with Hugh Baird College has been an incredible opportunity to help shape the next generation of construction professionals. By working directly with students, we can ensure they are not only familiar with modular building techniques but also understand the needs of the industry as it evolves. The hands-on experience they gain here is invaluable, and we are proud to be part of their journey towards successful careers in construction.”
Rachael Hennigan, Principal and Chief Executive of Hugh Baird College, said:
“We were delighted to welcome the Metro Mayor and showcase the impactful work of our staff, students and partners.”
“Hugh Baird College provides high-quality education that aligns with the evolving needs of employers while offering life-changing opportunities for our students. By working closely with our industry partners, we ensure students have access to practical, relevant training that prepares them for the challenges of today and the future demands of tomorrow.”
“We thank the Metro Mayor for taking the time to visit us and for his continued support. His visit emphasises the crucial role of further education and colleges in driving the growth and success of the Liverpool City Region.”
Steve Rotheram said:
“It was fantastic to visit Hugh Baird College and see first-hand the important work they’re doing to prepare our workforce for the future.”
“As we look to tackle the skills shortages in the Liverpool City Region, especially those in modern methods of construction and retrofit, it’s clear that colleges like Hugh Baird are essential. By offering flexible training options like modular and full-time courses, to apprenticeships and adult upskilling, they’re responding to the needs of our local economy.”
“Collaborations with national businesses like Starship and Cadent Gas also mean students are gaining real, hands-on experience that will set them up for a promising future in this sector.”
“I’m proud that through the funding that we’ve been able to offer, Hugh Baird College has been able to invest in their facilities and training, ensuring our young people have access to the tools they need to thrive in a changing world.”