Towers might be more associated with Hogwarts than schools in the Muggle-world but the Colchester Institute has recently opened a new training facility which includes a 52ft structure.

East Anglian Daily Times: New training tower at Colchester InstituteNew training tower at Colchester Institute (Image: Archant)

The training tower and enclosed space facility will be used to teach safe working at heights, including appropriate use of equipment and climbing techniques.

A number of firefighters have been recruited to deliver the training, which will help people looking to get jobs in sectors including telecommunications, rail, construction and engineering.

To celebrate the opening the college’s executive team joined a morning of training.

Alison Andreas, principal and chief executive, said: “Although I have to admit I was a little apprehensive about the climb, the sense of achievement made it all worthwhile and the view from the top was fantastic.”

East Anglian Daily Times: New training tower at Colchester Institute. (l-r) Chris Coe, trainer; Tom Calcutt, trainer; Gary Horne, vice principal of finance and operations; Max Fox, health and safety manager; Alison Andreas, principal and chief executive; Adam Ward, director of faculty for construction; Shaun Fox, trainer.New training tower at Colchester Institute. (l-r) Chris Coe, trainer; Tom Calcutt, trainer; Gary Horne, vice principal of finance and operations; Max Fox, health and safety manager; Alison Andreas, principal and chief executive; Adam Ward, director of faculty for construction; Shaun Fox, trainer. (Image: Archant)

Gary Horne, vice principal, added: “Last year we made the strategic decision to invest in this equipment to support a wide range of local and regional businesses in a number of industry sectors.

“We are really excited about the opportunity to develop bespoke working at heights training packages to complement our existing portfolio of employer focussed programmes.”

The training tower is available for use by businesses and community groups, whether for training or even team building.

It cost more than £120,000 to install, including associated classrooms and equipment.

Mandy Norris, training manager said “The tower is a fantastic, and very rare, resource. It is a great asset to Colchester and the East of England and we’re sure companies will benefit greatly from this new facility.”