Switch-on for new gas training centre

A multi-million-pound training centre has opened in Hollinwood to train a new generation of recruits to the gas industry.

The flagship National Grid skills development centre opened as part of a major Government drive to boost the UK’s skills base.

The state-of-the-art centre — one of two built at a cost of £5.5m — specialises in practical, hands-on training, recreating the real-life situations faced by National Grid’s workforce.

Covering 13,000 square foot, the two-storey building in Mersey Road North houses a pipe-laying area and deep excavation pit, while a suite of classrooms will provide theory-based learning and specialist courses.

Staff undergo rigorous assessments before being judged competent to work on the gas network.

Hollinwood is one of the two new skills development centres and will run courses for staff across the North-West. The other centre is in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

Jon Butterworth, director of operations for National Grid’s gas distribution arm, said: “We actively support the Government’s strategy to create more apprenticeships and promote lifelong learning.

“This new centre will enable us to tap into the vast pool of talent available in the North-West and to develop the next generation of engineers needed by our growing business.

“The robustly practical nature of our courses, made possible by the purpose-built facilities at Hollinwood, will deliver real benefits to gas consumers across the North-West.

“With staff skilled to industry-leading standards, we can achieve the highest levels of safety and quality in our gas networks.”

He added: “Anyone interested in opportunities to start a career with National Grid can find out more by going to our website at www.nationalgrid.com/freshtalent.”