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 comprehensive 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 19-24 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.

Bradford College Project Manager John Wells explained:

“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.”

Bradford College is working in conjunction with key partners, including the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and The Sandale Trust in Buttershaw, which is providing a community venue for the training and signposting potential participants. The cost of vital PPE equipment has also been covered to ensure all students can take part without facing financial barriers.

Procure Plus and Bradford Council are helping to source work placement opportunities, and international construction employer partners Morgan Sindall, Sewell Group, Kier Group, and NG Bailey are offering social value support through work opportunities, talks, workshops, and potential job opportunities on qualification.

John continued:

“Delivered in small groups and with tailored support, this flexible training is designed to break down barriers and boost success rates, especially for those who have been out of education for some time.

“Alongside work experience, site visits, masterclasses and networking, students like this also gain a Level 1 qualification, a Health & Safety Award, and a vital CSCS card – proof that a construction worker has the appropriate training and qualifications for their job.

“Students benefit from our taster sessions across diverse construction trades, which gives them a broad skillset that is attractive to prospective employers. It also allows individuals to find out what they enjoy before selecting a specialism. This superb skills package will give more young adults the foundation they need to succeed in a truly exciting and rewarding industry.”

Over the next academic year, it is hoped that around 70 participants will successfully complete the 20-week rolling programme and progress on to Level 2 training, apprenticeships, or employment.

The Bradford College Community Construction Academy launch coincides with the recently announced Association of Colleges (AoC) ‘Adult Learning Pays’ campaign – a national initiative championing adult education as a driver of stronger communities and sustainable growth. The College project perfectly exemplifies how adult learning can open doors for individuals, boost employers, and benefit society as a whole.

Bradford College is seeking more construction and built environment employers who can support the project. To find out more, offer expertise, or discuss work placements, please get in touch with project manager John Wells: J.Wells3@bradfordcollege.ac.uk

Multiple groups will be starting throughout 2026. To find out more about the ‘Bradford College Community Construction Academy’ talk to your work coach or adviser.