KIDDERMINSTER College showed off its new state-of-the-art green technology centre to skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith.
The Minister was greeted by Kidderminster College Principal Cat Lewis and other dignitaries before touring the £4million facility on Stourport Road.
The green technology centre only opened earlier this year and it now supports over 500 students.
It offers cutting-edge training in sustainable construction, automotive and green technologies.
During the visit, Baroness Smith met with students and staff, watched practical demonstrations in bricklaying, carpentry, electrical installation, and motor vehicle respraying, and even tried her hand at carpentry, electrical rewiring, and bricklaying activities alongside students.
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The Minister spent time talking to students about their experiences and the skills they’ve developed while studying at Kidderminster College.
Bricklaying student Lauren Robinson said: “I wanted something more hands-on, so studying at the Green Technology Centre has been amazing. The atmosphere here is really positive, the environment is helpful, and the teachers are lovely.
“I always get good feedback, which makes me proud of the work I’m doing. In the future, I see myself on site, developing my skills and progressing in my career.”
Cash for the centre was provided through the UK Government’s Getting Building Fund, the Department for Education’s Local Skills Improvement Fund, and support from the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.
Baroness Smith added: “Just this week, the Prime Minister made clear that colleges like Kidderminster are at the heart of our mission to boost the economy through our Plan for Change.
“I loved speaking to Lauren, Cat and the other students and staff about how much they enjoyed their training and how it will help them to get into great careers that they feel passionate about in the exciting clean energy sector.
“This government continues to support further education and skills. We will invest almost £800million extra into funding for 16-19-year-olds in the 2026/27 financial year, helping colleges to break down barriers to opportunity for young people in Worcestershire and all over the country.”
Principal Cat Lewis said: “We were delighted to welcome Minister Smith to our Green Technology Centre, where we showcased Kidderminster College’s leadership in tackling regional skills gaps across sustainable construction, automotive, and green technologies.
“It was particularly pleasing to see the Minister engaging with our learners and colleagues, taking time to speak with them and try out some of the activities, a real endorsement of the transformative work happening here.
“This state-of-the-art facility is not only helping to drive the transition to cleaner, greener technologies across Worcestershire and the wider region, but is also central to our mission to widen participation. We are committed to attracting more women into traditionally male-dominated sectors by providing inclusive, technology-enabled learning environments that inspire and empower.”
