BRIDGWATER College has launched a new civil engineering and design apprenticeship.

The business development team at the institution created the course in response to construction industry demand, in partnership with the South West arm of the Technician Apprenticeship Consortium.

The apprenticeship will be delivered by Bridgwater College tutors at UWE to 50 young people from companies such as Atkins, Arup, Mott Macdonald, CH2M, Lafarge Tarmac, and Highways England.

Those undertaking the course should become equipped with a set of skills focused on the requirements of the South West’s construction industry.

Once completed, the apprentices should be ready to work full time.

will also be able to progress to nationally-recognised degree level qualifications that Bridgwater College and UWE are developing.

Mike Robbins, Bridgwater College principal, said: "This Apprenticeship will further professionalise an entire industry sector, whilst offering these young people a fantastic start to their careers.

"The unprecedented access that they have to outstanding teaching from the College tutors and the exceptional facilities at UWE, will raise their aspirations and inspire them to progress to the higher level training that employers so desperately need.

"Partnerships such as these are helping to raise the bar in education and training generally, and ensuring that businesses in the South West are well-equipped to maximise the wealth of opportunities arising in the region as we move from recession to growth."

Sheila Hoile, TAC project manager, said: "We’re absolutely delighted with the way that Bridgwater College and UWE have worked with us to develop a training programme that provides the exact mix of knowledge and skills our members need.

"This new Apprenticeship takes professional and technical education to another level entirely, and for these young people it opens up a multitude of career possibilities and routes to higher education.

"Importantly, it will also provide a major boost to the construction industry as we gear up for expansion in the months ahead."