Kilwaughter Minerals has launched a new training academy which aims to tackle the skills gap facing the construction industry.

The Northern Ireland-based minerals processor has introduced 'K Academy', with courses set to be delivered at a purpose built facility in St Helens, Liverpool, serving as the company's primary training facility in Great Britain. Although at a smaller scale, training will also continue at the Kilwaughter Minerals' headquarters in Larne.

The development of the K Academy represents an investment of £200,000 by Kilwaughter.

The Academy will be accessible to Kilwaughter customers initially across the K Rend and K Systems brands with programmes incorporating both practical and classroom-based learning. The addition of Kilwaughter Lime courses and employee training under the K Academy will follow in 2023 as part of a phased expansion plan.

Gary Wilmot, CEO, Kilwaughter Minerals said: "We are very pleased to be launching our new Academy and to play our part in addressing the skills gap and enhancing skills within our industries.

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"K Academy forms part of Kilwaughter's vision to set new standards within our markets – we consistently aim to go above and beyond to serve, to drive quality and innovate in a way that inspires our people and customers.

"We look forward to the future of K Academy and we plan to work to ensure it evolves as customer needs evolve."

The Academy courses, standard and bespoke, aim to support applicators and installers, merchants, contractors, architects and local authorities in accelerating the skills development of their teams and ultimately ensuring highest quality finishes for end customers.

Andy Stockall, with a background in plastering and 12 years' experience as a construction tutor and assessor, has been appointed to the position of Product and Application Training Manager and Academy Lead and will drive the delivery of quality, and engaging learning frameworks and a high-quality learning environment.

Andy added: "Unfortunately, our industry has faced some stiff challenges in recent times, including a major skills shortage. As a responsible business, Kilwaughter is supporting the future growth of the sector via its new K Academy.

"Our range of courses has been designed to build on our approved installer programme, providing necessary training and support that will go a significant way towards improving customer experience and addressing industry skills requirements.

"K Academy also presents a valuable opportunity to attract young people to the construction industry – it has been predicted that the industry will need to recruit over 216,000 new workers by 2025 to keep up with demand. Through our Academy offering we will engage with all levels of the education system, raising awareness of the opportunities available within construction.

"As the leading provider of renders in the UK, I am delighted that we are formalising our expertise in this way and I very much look forward to having a positive impact through investing in people."