West Herts College Dacorum Campus

The new West Herts College campus building in Hemel Hempstead is now open, offering modern, vibrant and flexible spaces to learn and work appointed with the latest equipment.

Why
Hertfordshire LEP invested in the new Dacorum Campus as part of its commitment to helping young people into employment and training; increasing the number of apprenticeships and traineeships; delivering higher level skills to meet skill gaps including engineering, technology and construction; and developing the skills of young people to meet the needs of employers in the modern jobs market.

Impact
Phase 1 of the investment has delivered a 90,000 sq. ft. flagship campus building to house a variety of training and skills programmes to meet local employers’ needs and allow local businesses to network and meet new recruits.
Over five years it is expected to deliver 352 apprenticeships, 320 additional Level 3 qualifications or apprenticeships, 450 additional Level 2 qualifications or apprenticeships, and 150 additional learners undertaking employability courses.

The number of new students enrolled to date continues to grow in line with operational targets. Several successful employer events have also been hosted at the campus, garnering positive feedback from businesses, students, staff and the local community.

Funding
Hertfordshire LEP invested £5m from the Local Growth Fund into phase 1 of development which has been completed. The total cost of phase 1 was £15.6m. 

An additional £6m has been awarded to phase 2 of development which involves the creation of an engineering and construction wing spanning approximately 3600 sq. m., delivering a broad based Engineering related curriculum to underpin emerging growth sectors.

This project was approved by the board on the 14th December 2017 with Hemel Hempstead Campus Building Expansion approved 22nd March 2018.