Apprentices team help shape base

A new vocational centre being built on the site of a former fire station is starting to take shape with a team of apprentices hard at work on the scheme.

Work is progressing well on Dudley College's new multi-million pound training base, called Dudley Evolve, which is on track to open in September this year.

It is being built in Tower Street and the facade of the old fire station has been incorporated into the design.

Workers have been busy buil-ding partition walls, installing wiring and other internal features. The construction team includes a 24 apprentices, who are students at the college.

They underwent a vigorous interview process, and were successfully selected from a large group of current full-time students. Among them is 18-year-old bricklayer Ian

Turner, from Coseley. He said: "I've really enjoyed working on the college's new building."

Dudley College principal Lowell Williams said: "The construction of this incredible new training centre will give the apprentices plenty of opportunities to enhance their skills."

Dudley Evolve will house facilities, including a fitness suite, sports hall, 180-seat theatre and a hair and beauty salon over four levels.