Minerals processor Kilwaughter Minerals which owns both the K Rend and K Systems brands, has announced the launch of its new training academy, developed to address the skills gap facing the construction industry.
The training centre will be branded ‘K Academy’ and courses will 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, Northern Ireland.
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.
“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 new Academy was officially opened by Mayor of St Helens Borough Cllr Sue Murphy.
She said: “I am delighted to officially open the K Academy, a tremendous new facility that will serve this region and the wider construction sector.
“It is particularly welcome to see further investment in St Helens and Kilwaughter’s ongoing commitment to this borough.”
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.
