Newbury College officially opened its brand new state of the art Plumbing Workshop Centre on Wednesday 5 March, with special guest, Dr Steve Ingle President of the Institute of Plumbing.

Following a welcome and introduction to the official opening by Newbury College Principal Dr Anne Murdoch OBE, Dr Steve Ingle cut the ribbon to officially open the workshop. Guests had the opportunity to view the purpose built training facility, see the equipment in use and sample refreshments in the new restaurant made by the College catering students.

Principal Dr Anne Murdoch is excited about the new development and said, "We would like to thank Dr Steve Ingle for opening the state of the art plumbing workshop. We are delighted with the workshop which was built to a very high standard. Our aim is to educate, train and supervise students in dedicated work areas and recreate the conditions they will experience in the Building Services Industry. The plumbing workshop now has the space and equipment to ensure that the training we offer gives our students and trainees the skills to equip them for a future in the plumbing industry by providing them with Industry standard work experience".

The new Plumbing Workshop, allows students to undertake a diverse range of plumbing training. Students will learn about installation tasks including guttering, central heating systems and a complete bathroom suite. The centre houses four bathroom suite areas, three airing cupboards along with visual learning aids all designed to improve and build the knowledge of students.

Curriculum Manager for Technology Brian Evans said, "The new workshop will give young people the opportunity to experience first-hand the type of activities a domestic plumber would carry out and at the same time achieve a nationally recognised qualification".