A GOLDEN Hello scheme to attract new Colchester Institute lecturers is needed to attract top industry professionals to teach the next generation of workers, according to college bosses.

New lecturers in the construction and engineering fields could get an extra £5,000 on top of their annual salary if they stay in post for two years, thanks to the new initiative which is jointly funded by Essex County Council.

Director of faculty for construction and engineering technologies Adam Ward said: “The delivery of training and education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects is a key national priority driven by both the desire to grow a productive, dynamic and innovative economy and the urgent employer demand for upskilling and reskilling workforces.

“No more so is this true than in Essex where many large scale construction projects are planned requiring thousands of new construction workers every year and where manufacturing and technology based companies are thriving yet stifled by a lack of available skills at all levels.”

He added: “We are absolutely committed to helping alleviate this skill shortage and as such are investing heavily in facilities, buildings labs and workshops and are working hard to promote career opportunities for all ages.

“The most important factor in realising our ambition is our teachers, trainers and assessors, and we are continuously looking for new teaching talent.”