Culham: Science Centre extends its apprentice facility 

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) which operates Culham Science Centre is committed to equipping apprentices with high level skills to meet the needs of the region employers and help grow the region’s economy.  In line with this, JTL, the UK’s leading training provider for the building-services engineering sector, has extended its learning facility at Culham to offer mechanical engineering apprenticeships. Refurbishment works are underway to create a training workshop with booths for apprentices to practice building services installations such as plumbing and installing heating-and-ventilation systems.

The 3,050 sq ft facility is adjacent to JTL’s existing electrical training centre, which opened earlier this year, and it is the second phase of planned refurbishment works. JTL signed a five- year lease at the end of 2015 for 8,500 sq. ft. to provide "off-the-job" learning facilities for up to 250 learners specialising in electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation, fire and security and engineering maintenance.

Dawn Russell, commercial property manager at UKAEA, said: “Culham Science Centre is a fantastic location to provide apprentices with exposure to some of the UK’s leading science and technology employers.   We are working closely with JTL to help ensure apprentices have the best start to their careers.”

Joseph Lo, head of centre for JTL, commented: “JTL is the largest provider of building-services engineering apprenticeships in the country, and we are delighted to be able to extend that offering to Oxfordshire businesses and apprentices who will have the opportunity to benefit from our first-rate teaching staff and the facility at Culham Science Centre from September.”

Culham Science Centre is home to a community of diverse science and technology businesses employing over 2,000 people. It is earmarked for 50% growth by 2031 and has a wide range of commercial property opportunities available with flexible terms to accommodate companies ranging from start-up/virtual serviced offices through to laboratories and offices for mid to large organisations.