Knauf has opened The Cube, its multi-million pound training, visitor and administrative centre, at Sittingbourne, Kent.

Providing 240 sq metres of classroom and practical teaching space, The Cube can cater for up to 20 students at a time. Nine Carillion apprentices have already started a 14-week training programme and the new centre will provide dedicated courses in areas such as drylining, modern projection plastering, dry floor screeding and framed building infill systems.

A collaboration across all Knauf UK businesses, The Cube will teach both the theory and practice of all areas of lightweight dry construction. Ian Stokes, Knauf managing director, said: “There is a desperate shortage of skilled trades in theUK, in Europe as a whole for that matter. And if UK manufacturing is to lead the nation back into growth, there has to be a new wave of up and coming professionals ready to deploy the latest construction techniques.

“By providing the education, knowledge and training, from specification to installation, Knauf is not only underwriting the continued success of its products and business; but of the British building industry as a whole.”