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Our plaque is up at STC Group’s Construction House

22 May 2026 · By Watkins Academy

The Watkins Academy plaque mounted on the supporter wall at STC Group's Construction House — Watkins on the wall. Our plaque mounted at STC Group’s Construction House.

A lovely update from The STC Group this week: the Watkins Academy plaque is now mounted on the supporter wall at their Construction House facility. It joins a roster of industry partners alongside the Mayor of London commemorative plaque marking the building’s founding funding.

For anyone wondering how a plumbing-and-construction business in Kent ends up on the supporter wall of an Essex training college: it’s a story that started earlier this year, when Helen Harris (our Community & Apprenticeship Lead) and Lou Oastler (Training & Admin) visited STC College for an event.

“I wanted to reach out to say a huge thank you for Watkins’ generosity and continued support. Your recent donation to our Construction House has been so gratefully received, and will make such a huge difference!”

Kenzie Tipple, The STC Group

“We were impressed by their students and the array of courses available,” Helen said. “With the stock available in Unit 60 and a wishlist from STC we put together an array of equipment that could be used by the students while they train in the various disciplines.” Our driver Jacob delivered the donation to STC’s Construction House in January, where it’s been in use by their students.

Construction House is STC’s hands-on training facility, where students train across construction disciplines from plumbing and electrical to plastering and joinery. It’s the kind of place where students get to use real tools, real materials and real techniques before they ever set foot on a live site. A setup that genuinely prepares them for the working world, not just an exam.

The supporter wall is a quiet but meaningful piece of the building. Visible reassurance for students and visitors that the facility is genuinely backed by the industry they’ll eventually be working in, and a permanent thank-you to the partners who’ve helped make it what it is.

in Read STC Group’s post on LinkedIn ” Each logo you see here tells a story. We’re grateful and committed to consistently strengthening these partnerships to provide the best opportunities for our learners. 🔨” →

Helen has already mentioned a second delivery is in planning, so this won’t be the last you’ll hear about Watkins and STC. It’s becoming a proper ongoing partnership rather than a one-off gesture, and the kind of thing we’re very pleased to be part of.

For the full story of the original January donation, read our earlier piece: Supporting The STC Group.