Professor Iain Stewart, famous for presenting television and radio programmes on geology and climate issues, was the guest speaker at the topping out ceremony for South Devon College's new Energy Centre building in Long Road, Paignton.

The Centre is due to be completed by Kier Construction in the summer and open to the public by September.

Professor Stewart is well known to viewers and listeners through programmes such as 'Horizon', 'Journeys from the Centre of the Earth', 'Earth: The Power of the Planet' and 'Hot Rocks'.

South Devon College principal, Stephen Criddle, shared his delight with the project’s progress, which has been achieved through collaborative working with funders and with Kier Construction and its supply chain.

He commented: "This great new investment of over £6m will contribute much to the future of Torbay and South Devon businesses and students. The Centre has a target of bringing 400 jobs to the area by 2020. Today’s students are really interested in and committed to sustainability and, given rising energy costs, there is a real financial savings incentive to everyone in today's economic environment.


"South Devon College is dedicated to providing the best resources, facilities and support to the local community and our local enterprise partnership area and this new Centre is a magnificent example of this."

Kier Construction operations director, Anthony Irving, then highlighted the excellent working partnership between Kier and the College, exemplified by the Employment and Skills Plan agreed as part of the Energy Centre CITB-Construction Skills National Skills Academy for the project.

He explained: "This plan involves work placements for 14 to 19-year-olds, graduate placements, apprentices, placing NVQ students with subcontractors and offering training to subcontractors. We have organised many site visits for College groups so they can experience life on a live site and see first-hand how design is turned into reality. We have also provided work experience for an NVQ student carpenter, which could lead to a job with one of our subcontractors. The process of the Employment and Skills Plan gives real added value. We are constructing a great building while offering young people opportunities for learning and employment."

(CD)