County Durham's £1.2m Brian Manning Training Academy opens for future generations

Construction company, Esh Group has launched a new skills training academy to build the workforce of the future.

The purpose-built facility - an investment of £1.2m - at Esh’s County Durham base is home to a suite of training rooms where trainees, existing staff and teams from outside organisations will learn the skills needed for next generation construction work.

Named in honour of former Esh Group chief executive, Brian Manning - who passed away in 2017 - the Academy will host everyone from apprentices through to graduates and long-serving workers.

Brian helped to steer Esh Group’s long-standing commitment to training and development of new and existing staff; the Academy is an extension of that ethos.

Louise, 45, group accounts manager, and Steve, 47, regional managing director, have both worked for Esh since leaving school.

They were joined by 19-year-old Megan Lambert, a trainee quantity surveyor, who came to Esh in 2016 as its 150th apprentice. The business has seen 180 apprentices progress through programmes.

Members of Brian Manning’s family also played a part in the opening.

Andy Radcliffe, chief executive of Esh Group, said: “The whole Esh Group team is excited to welcome people to the Brian Manning Training Academy.

“It represents an investment in the future of our industry, not just Esh Group’s own capabilities. As well as for our staff, the Academy will be a resource for partners, clients and suppliers who want to build and refresh essential skills.

“To have Louise, Steve and Megan at the opening is important as it marks Esh Group’s dedication to nurturing talent and shows you can build a rewarding, long-term career in our business.

“It’s also fitting the Academy will bear Brian’s name. As a champion of people realising their ambitions, his ethos will inform all the activity that takes place here.”

In addition to its in-house training division, Esh Group works with schools, colleges and universities as well as training providers to make sure it has the skills it needs to deliver work - from multi-million pound civil engineering projects to the building of new homes.

Louise Lamb said: “I was delighted to play a part in opening the Academy. I’ve built my career at Esh Group and the business has been hugely supportive of me - providing me with training and routes to progress.

“I know the same opportunities and more will be provided to future generations through this investment.”