The Highways Academy will train 129 apprentices and graduates during the A14 upgrade works, and is run by Huntingdon-based West Anglia Training Association (WATA). Courses will provide training in road construction and maintenance.
The Highways Academy has been developed in a collaboration between Highways England’s A14 team and the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership. It was officially opened by roads minister John Hayes yesterday (17 October 2016) with a plaque unveiling.
WATA interim chief executive Jackie Hall said: “The Highways Academy provides a unique combination of a realistic highway environment supported by dedicated workshop and classroom facilities to help individuals gain the practical skills and qualifications to support growing demand for employees across the regional and beyond. WATA is working with employers, schools, colleges and partners to ensure we all work together to deliver this key highways project to support economic growth.”
Gerard Smith, legacy manager for the A14 project, added: “The Highways Academy will be crucial to provide young people the skills they need to work on roads projects and maintenance, including the A14. We are delighted this hard work is coming to fruition and look forward to welcoming apprentices from the WATA Highways Academy into our teams soon.”
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