Electrical training provider JTL has officially opened its new Thames Valley Training Centre following a £1 million investment aimed at expanding electrical apprenticeship training in the region.
The facility was formally opened by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, who visited the centre to meet apprentices, employers, and industry representatives.
The centre has been redeveloped to provide industry-standard training facilities, including a dedicated electrical workshop, End Point Assessment preparation areas, classrooms, and breakout spaces. JTL says the site has capacity to train around 200 apprentices each year.
During the visit, the Skills Minister met apprentices preparing for their End Point Assessments and observed practical training activities. The visit also highlighted training programmes focused on emerging technologies, including solar and wind energy systems.
Among those taking part was apprentice Freya Taylor, who recently received JTL’s Regional Rising Star Award for the Western region.
Local employers including Bojen Electrical, Haysham Electrical Contractors, Darke & Taylor, and Lowe and Oliver joined discussions focused on increasing apprenticeship recruitment among small and medium-sized businesses.
New AM2 assessment facility expands testing capacity
Alongside the training centre, JTL has opened a new eight-bay AM2 Assessment Centre following a further £250,000 investment.
The organisation says the facility will help address assessment capacity challenges, with waiting times for an initial AM2 assessment reaching several months in some parts of the UK.
The opening event was attended by representatives from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Joint Industry Board, Kewtech, and JTL’s leadership team, including Sir John Low.
Jacqui Smith says, “Apprenticeships are central to our mission to grow the economy and equip people with the skills they need to succeed, and it was fantastic to meet the young apprentices at JTL’s new Thames Valley training centre.
“This is the kind of dynamic, hands-on environment which will help us produce the skilled workforce of the future – in this case, one which will help deliver our housing ambitions and accelerate our transition to clean energy.”
Centre supports growing demand for electricians
Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of JTL, comments, “It was a pleasure to welcome the Skills Minister to JTL’s new Thames Valley centre and to see her officially declare it open.
“This facility represents a major investment in the future of our industry, training around 200 apprentices each year and reinforcing JTL’s unwavering commitment to delivering the highest-quality apprenticeships.
“As the UK looks to drive economic growth and deliver on its infrastructure ambitions, the need for skilled electricians has never been greater. Dedicated training centres like this are critical to building the workforce required to power that growth.”
“The creation of an AM2 assessment centre at this facility is another significant step forwards. With demand high across the country, this will help more electricians complete their qualifications more quickly, supporting productivity and ensuring businesses have access to the skilled workforce they need.”
The Thames Valley Training Centre is now fully operational and supporting apprentices, employers, and industry partners from across the region.
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