Grohe has invested in a training room for student plumbers at vocational college Colchester Institute in North Essex.

Designed for use by its 500-strong annual cohort of students, the training room includes a fully-functioning display rig and 18 bathroom suites, as well as Grohe’s Sense Guard leak detection system and SmartControl showers.

The space will provide additional learning opportunities for students who will be able to engage in live demonstrations and installations.

Sponsored Video

Quarter sawn Tulipwood

For the past two years, the college has been a stop-off location for Grohe’s XXL Experience Truck, a mobile showroom that has welcomed students on board for hands-on taster sessions.

This year, Grohe has also supported the College’s “Plumbing Apprentice of the Year“ award, gifting the well-deserving winner one of its Euphoria SmartControl shower systems.

Following the opening of the new suite, Grohe UK’s training manager Chris Penney will regularly feature as a guest lecturer, delivering classes on its products and the best practices for installation.

Assistant principal of Braintree Campus and STEM Adam Ward said: “The College’s collaboration with Grohe is a long-standing relationship and we are very grateful for their continued support.

“They bringso many benefits to our students’ learning experience not least ensuring they are continually exposed to cutting-edge products and latest installation techniques.  A vital and invaluable part of preparing candidates of all ages for illustrious careers in the plumbing trade.“

The partnership is part of a wider European initiative to invest in the installers of tomorrow, as Chris Penney explained:  “With enormous investments being made into product design, advanced technologies and ground breaking innovation across construction, interiors and architecture sectors, the plumbing landscape is evolving significantly.

“More demand than ever is being placed upon installers to be attuned to the latest installation trends and systems.”

He continued: “We believe strongly in investing in the future and working with the next generation of plumbers to ensure they are suitably equipped for working in the field as it continues to change.

“Not only will Colchester Institute students learn about a whole spectrum of Grohe products, which are renowned within the industry for quick and simple installation but they will also benefit from studying in a fit-for-purpose environment where they can experience ‘live’ installations as they would in the real working world.”