Thames Water and Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) have celebrated a significant milestone, marking a five-year successful partnership with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Thames Water Engineering Room.
The dedicated facility will provide immersive, hands-on training specifically for the one hundred Thames Water apprentices currently studying at the College.
The new engineering room is equipped to teach vital, practical skills such as bench fitting, hand skills, and various other core engineering competencies essential for a career in the water industry.
The specialised environment is another stage the long-term collaboration between BCoT and Thames Water, aiming to cultivate a highly skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of modern infrastructure and sustainability.
Photo: Tessa Fayers and Shane Munford open the new Engineering Room
Tess Fayers, Waste and Bioresources Director at Thames Water, officially opened the facility and commented on the significance of the new space:
“Opening this dedicated engineering room is a powerful, tangible investment in the future resilience of our infrastructure. This facility is where theory transforms into hands-on experience, giving our apprentices the critical skills they need to ensure we can deliver life’s essential service for years to come. It is the perfect celebration of our five-year partnership with BCoT."
The unveiling of the new facility not only enhances the learning experience for the current cohort but also reinforces the strong, five-year strategic relationship between BCoT and Thames Water.
The partnership focuses on developing a tailored curriculum and providing a supportive educational environment that meets the specific operational needs of one of the UK’s largest water and wastewater services providers.
Shane Munford, BCoT’s Faculty Head for Engineering and Automotive described the facility as a game-changer for apprentices, giving them the real-world skills Thames Water needs, saying:
“It exemplifies how education and industry can work together to build a strong future.”
The partnership will continue to focus on providing high-quality technical education, ensuring Thames Water’s apprentices graduate with the expertise necessary to contribute immediately to the company's operational success and long-term goals.
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