New training facilities for The Shard open in Southwark

Sellar, the developer of the Shard at London Bridge Quarter, Southwark Council and Southwark College have worked closely to develop a series of "real work environments" which provide hands on vocational training for local people.

Former classrooms and lecture theatres have been converted into bright new training workshops and public retail units which will give students practical experience in dealing with customers as part of their courses.

The real work environments include a florist, a cafe, a hair and beauty salon and a fitness studio at the campus on the Cut, in addition to a construction centre at the college's Bermondsey centre. The college is working closely with local businesses along the Cut to promote closer partnership working and potential placements for students post qualification.

The project forms a key element of the Shard Southwark Vocational Programme, a £5m initiative to ensure local residents get best possible access to opportunities in the tallest building in Western Europe . In addition to new training facilities, the joint council, college, developer team is working behind the scenes to secure first interviews for college students in a variety of jobs in the new "vertical city." Opportunities include the new Shangri-La hotel, high level viewing gallery, offices and security and maintenance roles.

Councillor Fiona Colley, Southwark Council's cabinet member for regeneration, commented; "The innovative and highly practical real work environments, and the early collaborations with future occupiers give students a real edge when it comes to getting a job.  I would encourage our young people to look at the variety of courses available and sign up."

Irvine Sellar, Chairman of Sellar Group, took part in a tour of the new facilities during its official opening and said; "Most people can see the Shard emerging skywards but now they can begin to see the wider benefits of the scheme for the local area and this facility gives Southwark residents access to gain the direct skills associated with jobs in the development."

Thanks to the funding through Southwark council's section 106 agreement with Sellar, the college was also able to lever in additional funds from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA). Ruth Gilbert, Principal of Southwark College, was pleased to bring two key sources together, noting; "This project is a great example of matching private and public investment to deliver creative benefits for local people and we are very grateful to all our partners for their commitment to this exciting project."

If you are a local resident and would like to find out more about the courses available and to experience the new real work environments, please visit Southwark College's website.