A 1960’s teaching block at Colchester Institute’s Colchester Campus has been transformed to become a Sustainable Construction Centre – with the help of former students.
Supported by grant funding from the Department for Education and Essex County Council, the Sustainable Construction Centre includes three brickwork workshops, groundworks facilities, a large dedicated painting and decorating suite, and classrooms for theory and technical learning.
The project underscores the longstanding relationship between Colchester Institute and Cadman Construction, extending from training and apprenticeships through to skilled employment. Several former students and apprentices have returned to campus as Cadman employees to help deliver the redevelopment.
Dawn Budd, who completed three years of Brickwork at Colchester Institute before being employed by Cadman Construction, 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.”
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.”
The Sustainable Construction Centre is now the most efficient building on the Colchester Campus, incorporating air source heat pumps, photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system, it is a significant improvement on the environmental performance of the original building.
Natalie Hines, Director of Estates at Colchester Institute, “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 new facility will provide specialist learning, supporting continued local demand for construction training and helping learners develop the practical and technical skills required by employers. The building is set to be officially opened later this month.
