Hewlett site moves from i54 complex

A leading civil engineering company is moving its Midland training base to Penkridge and it intends to increase the number of construction apprentices.

The figure is set to rise by more than 50 per cent.

Hewlett is relocating from the i54, off Stafford Road near Junction 2 of the M54 motorway, to a site at South Staffordshire College's Rodbaston campus. The firm will have the capacity to train up to 30 apprentices a month at its new base, compared to 18 previously.

Bosses say the new location gives them greater access to trainees and doubles the training area, which replicates the operational environment of a real construction site.

The company only moved into their former home at the i54 in 2010. However, it worked out of temporary buildings on a short-term lease, using the land to train apprentices until it was required by a permanent developer.

Steve Vickers, Hewlett's training manager, said the college site was more suitable. He added there continued to be a need for construction workers. "Plans for construction are central to any strategy for future growth," he said.