Kevin Smith has launched a new training business in Telford - and in the process returned to where it all started for him.
He has set up The Severn College based at the Ministry of Defence site in Donnington.
Electrician Kevin started as an apprentice at ABRO there and has now hired space in its training centre for his own company.
The Severn College is a training company mainly specialising in offering electrical training to both the trade and general public.
“We decided to set up the company in response to the general shortage of skilled electricians in the area,” said Kevin.
“In January 2005 the Government launched Part P of the building regulations making it impossible for people to work in the industry unless they have the correct qualifications.
“The regulations also effectively made it illegal for unqualified people to do electrical work on their own homes because of safety considerations.
“The college was started to address the need that we felt that there was for good quality flexible electrical training.
“Our slogan is ‘A college by name but not by nature’, meaning we offer all the advantages of a traditional college but operated in a way that gives the flexibility and value for money demanded by modern customers.
“For instance, traditional colleges always close for two months each summer but electrical businesses continue to operate and have to wait for the next available enrolment date.
“At the Severn College we have no set holiday shut downs. We will run courses when the customers want them,” added Kevin, whose CV also includes some time in Wrekin Housing Trust’s asset management department.
“In the future we hope to develop courses allowing us to offer a one-stop solution for the training needs of electrical companies both locally and in the wider area,” said Kevin, who sees his initial catchment area as including Telford, Shrewsbury, Staffordshire and the Black Country.
“The college is also committed to offering training to the general public and people wishing to re-train as electricians.”
Kevin will be conducting most of the courses, while another instructor will be Jerry Beckett.
The company also plans eventually to run out-courses in village halls and other meeting places, enabling it to offer its services to more outlying areas.
Kevin reckons his old stomping ground at Donnington is the perfect base.
“You couldn’t have better security, for one thing,” he said. The renting out of private business space is part of the MOD’s income generation strategy.
Kevin was helped by the site’s commercial managers, Ian Hood and Nat Rowley, and a whole network of ready-made offices and classrooms of a high standard.
To contact Severn College telephone/fax 01952-677764, email: info@severncollege.co.uk or click onto www.severncollege.co.uk
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