Funding support for construction careers

An award of nearly half a million pounds from the Department for Education is helping Bradford College to support more young adults into the construction sector.

Over £994k in Adult Skills Fund money was made available to regional colleges via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) to deliver construction skills, with Bradford College securing nearly 50% of the funding.

A new Bradford College Community Construction Academy has now launched, with the first cohort of 15 students enrolled on a fully funded City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Construction Skills. Adult learners aged 19 to 24 will develop technical skills in bricklaying, joinery, decorating, plumbing, tiling, and electrical, as well as contextualised maths, English, employability, digital, and soft skills such as problem-solving.

John Wells, Bradford College project manager, said: “Regionally, we have a significant issue with construction skills gaps but also with adult ‘NEETS’ (individuals Not in Education, Employment, or Training). The aim of this funding is, therefore, to boost construction worker numbers and help achieve national housebuilding targets, while getting more adults into work.

“This funding is the perfect solution for addressing both matters and offering a pathway into a very rewarding and well-paid sector. Our male and female participants come from diverse backgrounds and skill levels, but they have sadly fallen through the system. This programme is offering a lifeline to determined young adults who can gain the skills needed to get back on track.”