Construction National

Abingdon & Witney College expands Bicester campus

Abingdon & Witney College are proud to announce the expansion of their construction facilities in Bicester to meet the demand in the area. This significant growth reflects the College’s commitment to meeting the increasing demands of the local and regional construction sector, ensuring local businesses have a steady pipeline of skilled, job-ready apprentices.

Since opening in 2021 with investment from the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), the College’s Bicester Construction Skills Centre has quickly reached capacity, with over 200 apprentices currently enrolled. The centre has successfully delivered high-quality training in Plumbing & Heating, Gas Engineering, Property Maintenance, and Carpentry & Joinery.

Beyond apprenticeships, the College is also committed to supporting the ongoing professional development of those already working in the industry. To meet the growing demand for qualified professionals, the centre offers upskilling and re-certification courses for Gas and Electrical engineers, keeping them up to date with the latest regulations and technologies to maintain high industry standards.

To build on this success, the College is expanding into an additional unit in Bicester. This will enable more apprentices to enrol, allow for greater collaboration with local employers, and further enhance the College’s industry-leading apprenticeship offer. For the first time in Bicester, the College will also introduce Electrical Installation apprenticeships, broadening its provision to support more career pathways in the construction industry.

This expansion follows a series of notable achievements, including apprentices receiving recognition at regional and national awards and competitions. The College’s outstanding achievement rates have also been acknowledged by Ofsted, which has graded its apprenticeship provision as Outstanding.

The development in Bicester aligns with Abingdon & Witney College’s strategic commitment to advancing construction and building services training. This includes:

• Advancing Green Construction Training – Growing the Net Zero Skills Hub and delivering green construction courses in partnership with five district councils.

• Expanding Training Opportunities – Successfully launching Skills Bootcamps earlier this year, equipping learners with in-demand construction skills.

• Developing Industry Leadership – Introducing a Construction Management apprenticeship and HNC to support career progression in the sector.

• Enhancing Opportunities for Young Learners – Expanding full-time provision for 16–18-year-olds at the Abingdon and Witney campuses, including a new T Level in Planning, Design, and Surveying.

With this expansion, Abingdon & Witney College is ready to support even more learners and employers. To learn more about apprenticeship opportunities, visit https://abingdon-witney.ac.uk/apprenticeships/