A group of builders from a Colchester contractor returned to their former college to transform an aging teaching block into a new home for construction learners.
The workers from Cadman Construction returned to Colchester Institute to turn the 1960s building into the college’s new Sustainable Construction Centre.
The centre is home to three brickwork workshops, groundworks facilities and a large painting and decorating suite alongside classrooms for both theory and technical learning.
Among those involved in the project was Dawn Budd, who studied brickwork at the college before taking on her role at Cadman Construction.
She said: “I left Colchester Institute in 2024 and it’s great to be back on campus doing what I love.”
Curtis Reed, another former student, said: “It’s a full circle moment for me.
“I started out here as a student learning the basics of the trade, and now I’m back working on-site as part of a professional team.
“I’m proud of the hard work I’ve put in to get to this point.”
Cadman Construction has built a longstanding relationship with Colchester Institute, extending from training and apprenticeships through to employment opportunities for former learners.
Stuart Cadman, Managing Director at Cadman Construction, said: “Colchester Institute are at the forefront of construction training in the Eastern region, and it gives Cadman’s the greatest of pleasure being involved with such a successful education provider.
“Our workforce is putting their skills gained at Colchester Institute back into the college and therefore directly benefitting today’s construction students, who are the future of our industry.”
As well as creating new classroom spaces for learners, improvements have been made to make the Sustainable Construction Centre more efficient, including through air source heat pumps, solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system.
The project has been supported through grant funding from the Department for Education and Essex County Council.
Natalie Hines, Director of Estates at Colchester Institute, said: “These new facilities will make a real difference to our construction students, giving them industry-relevant spaces where they can develop and practice their skills.
“What makes this project so special is that former students and apprentices working with Cadman Construction helped create the facilities where future students will learn their trade.”
The Sustainable Construction Centre is set to officially open later this month.
