New Funding Supports Construction Skills Training in Bradford

Funding Aims to Address Skills Gaps and Support Young Adults

Bradford College has received nearly half a million pounds in funding from the Department for Education to support adult learners aged 19 to 24 in gaining construction skills. The funding is part of a wider allocation of over £994,000 made available to regional colleges through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) to improve construction skills training across the area.

Community Construction Academy Launches

The college has launched a Community Construction Academy, enrolling its first cohort of 15 students on a fully funded City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Construction Skills. The programme offers training in a range of trades including bricklaying, joinery, decorating, plumbing, tiling, and electrical work. Alongside technical skills, students also receive instruction in contextualised maths, English, employability, digital skills, and problem-solving.

Addressing Regional Challenges

John Wells, Project Manager at Bradford College, highlighted the regional challenges the programme seeks to address:

• Skills shortages in the construction sector
• High numbers of young adults not in education, employment, or training (NEETs)
• Supporting national housebuilding targets by increasing the construction workforce

The programme aims to provide a pathway into employment for individuals who may have previously faced barriers to education and work.

Partnerships and Support

Bradford College is collaborating with several partners to deliver the programme and support participants, including:

• West Yorkshire Combined Authority
• The Sandale Trust in Buttershaw, providing community venues and participant signposting
• Procure Plus and Bradford Council, assisting with sourcing work placements
• Construction employers such as Morgan Sindall, Sewell Group, Kier Group, and NG Bailey, offering work opportunities, talks, workshops, and potential jobs

The programme also covers the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE) to remove financial barriers for students.

Course Structure and Outcomes

Training is delivered in small groups with tailored support to improve success rates, particularly for those who have been out of education for some time. The 20-week rolling programme includes:

• Work experience and site visits
• Masterclasses and networking opportunities
• Level 1 qualification in construction skills
• Health & Safety Award
• CSCS card, which certifies appropriate training and qualifications for construction work

Students have the opportunity to explore different trades through taster sessions before selecting a specialism. It is anticipated that around 70 participants will complete the programme over the next academic year, with many progressing to Level 2 training, apprenticeships, or employment.

Further Information

The Community Construction Academy aligns with national initiatives promoting adult education as a means to strengthen communities and support economic growth. Bradford College is seeking additional construction and built environment employers to support the project through expertise or work placements.

Those interested in participating or collaborating with the programme can contact Project Manager John Wells via email at john.wells@bradfordcollege.ac.uk. Multiple groups are planned to start throughout 2026. Prospective students are advised to speak with their work coach or adviser for more details.