Our £4.75million Advanced Construction Engineering (ACE) Centre is equipped to train the next generation of construction professionals, including bricklayers, plumbers, electricians, decorators and carpenters.
Since the opening of the inital ACE Building in 2019, an extension has been built, giving bricklaying students extra room to hone their skills, along with a new 'sustainable classroom' incorporating a number of environmentally friendly resources such as a green roof, solar panels and hot water systems.
This state-of-the-art facility is now home to 400 students on full-time construction study programmes, 200 Apprentices and 50 adult students.
The Centre aims to produce a pipeline of ‘work-ready’ staff for local employers, tackle the severe skills shortages threatening to hit the construction industry in Northamptonshire, and focus on developing the skills needed for the most up to date construction and engineering technologies.
Courses are offered from Level 1 through to Level 3, and alongside courses which focus on craft skills there are also courses at Level 3 for those looking for supervisory, technician or management careers in the sector, such as in Civil Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or Project Management.
Students also have the option to take a multi-skills programme, including Bricklaying, Plumbing, Carpentry, Decorating and Electrical, which allows students to experience a number of trades before deciding where to specialise.
Our community involvement
Construction students at Northampton College regularly contribute to projects that benefit the local community while gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Students and apprentices have worked with organisations such as Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust to restore historic buildings, including bringing a neglected 19th-century cottage at Delapré Abbey back into use through skills such as brickwork, joinery, plumbing and landscaping.
They also support local heritage initiatives and community partners by helping to preserve historic sites and improve shared spaces across Northamptonshire. These projects allow students to develop industry-ready skills while making a meaningful, lasting impact on the local community.
Our industry partners
Industry based partners for the ACE Centre include Metcalf, Castle Climate Control, Lawrence Electrical, Winvic, Harlstone Restorations and the Thorne Electrical.
“So far we have taken on more than 20 apprentices and consider them to be a fundamental part of the business. We are crying out for young people to enter the trade and come on board with us. We are passionate about investing time in people and each recruit is paired with a mentor who they work alongside. We have been very impressed by the standard of apprentices from Northampton College.The industry is swamped with work, and we are crying out for apprentices to enter the trade."
"Working in construction, particularly the renewables sector, we see the importance of creating the right foundations for the next generation of skilled workers. We are always happy to support Northampton College with developing skills of their students through support in the classroom or with community projects and their events aimed at showcasing construction to schools. For me, I hope to inspire more women and girls to consider construction as a career choice and highlight the value they can add to the sector." Carley Fountain
"With over 20 years working as an air conditioning and air source heat pump installer, I am able to share my knowledge with those moving into the construction sector. Northampton College has great facilities, fantastic community opportunities and passionate staff who embrace working with local businesses to provide up to date training to their students. I am pleased to pass down my knowledge and expertise to those coming through in the sector and give real world experiences to both students and lecturers."
Karl Fountain