SOUTH Essex College’s new construction centre in Basildon is to get another industry boost by partnering with Draper Tools.

The centre, opening in January 2017, will provide construction training opportunities for local people, allowing students to study building trades such as painting and decorating, carpentry and joinery, brickwork and plastering, plus construction management.

Draper Tools will be providing trade tools for the centre at the college’s Nethermayne Campus including trowel sets, hand saws, chisels, levels and hammers to the value of nearly £8000.

Together with Redrow Homes, Draper will link up with the college to provide industry level training, facilities, equipment and opportunities to students.

Chris Bartlett, commercial marketing manager for Draper Tools, said: “Draper Tools have been involved in working with colleges for some time. We believe students bring great benefits to the industry by boosting the skills and knowledge of the workforce. We are particularly impressed with the work that South Essex College is doing and we are very pleased to be working with the team at the new centre.”

Anthony Ogbuokiri, head of construction at the college, said: “We’re really excited to link up with Draper Tools and that our students get to use their quality products. We want to offer industry level training at the new centre so this is another step on our way to doing so.”

The construction entry level award will be offered at the new centre in Basildon. The course starts in January so apply now at www.southessex.ac.uk/construction.

One lucky applicant will win a full toolkit from Draper Tools to get them started on their career pathway.