Learning for the future
Our students are among the first in the country to learn
carbon-cutting construction techniques and you will benefit from
the latest in ‘green’ learning technologies and staff that are
committed to the reduction of carbon emissions and sustainability.
Strong links with local industry
The Centre for Construction has excellent links with local
employers and industry partners, who have provided focused lessons
and provided work experience placements during the summer.
Opportunities like this not only improve your practical skills but
demonstrate to future employers that you are a willing and capable
candidate.
We invest in your learning
In 2007/8, £90,000 was invested in equipment and facilities.
This was enhanced by £45,000 of equipment donated by industry
partners, with further partnership work and investment taking place
in 2008/9 with Dimplex and Baxi Potterton. This shows that we know
that construction and the building trades are as much about access
to the right technology as they are about practical hands-on
skills.
Grade 1 standard
In 2008 an external verifier visited our Plumbing Technology
Centre in Kempston and awarded all aspects of the Level 1 National
Award in Plumbing a Grade 1 – the very highest grade possible – so
you know that the education you receive will be of the very best
quality.
Our students really enjoy their courses
In a recent student survey, 100% of Centre for Construction
students said that they would recommend Bedford College and 97%
said that they felt their course was challenging – showing you that
choosing College is a good decision, both personally and
professionally.
Awards for vocational excellence
We have been awarded Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in
Plumbing Services, House Building for the Future, and Skills for
Energy, demonstrating that we are committed to continuous
improvement and you know you will receive the highest level of
specialist work-based training.
A wealth of industry experience
The Plumbing Centre is an approved City and Guilds and British
Plumbing Employers Council (BPEC) training provider, and has ten
years of experience of providing students with specialist industry
training – whatever your question or problem, we are likely to have
seen it before and be able to help you through it.
Flexible progression opportunities
On successful completion of Level 1 qualifications, you can
progress onto further study and then onto one of our part-time
construction related degrees, which you can often combine with work
in the industry. Similarly, by collecting work-based evidence of
your learning, some of your existing qualifications can be
converted to equivalent NVQ levels.