New BAM-built training hub at Yeovil College opens to boost construction skills pipeline

BAM UK & Ireland joined Yeovil College to celebrate the opening of the new Construction Innovation Centre, a flagship facility to inspire, train and develop the next generation of construction professionals.

Delivered by BAM UK & Ireland as part of the College’s £60+ million campus transformation and funded by the Department for Education (DfE), the state-of-the-art centre is now fully open, providing industry-standard workshops and training environments that reflect the realities of modern construction.

With the construction industry facing increasing demand for skilled workers, the new facility will play a vital role in creating clear pathways from education into employment. Students will benefit from specialist workshops and equipment aligned with current construction methods, supporting training in carpentry, bricklaying, electrical installation, plumbing and multi-skills trades.

The project forms part of the DfE’s capital investment in further education and supports the ambitions of its Skills for Life campaign, which aims to equip more people with the technical skills needed to enter high-demand sectors such as construction. The centre is the second new construction facility to open on the college site in the last two years. Together, these buildings significantly expand the college’s capacity to train skilled professionals and help address regional and national workforce shortages.

Throughout the project, BAM placed a strong emphasis on engaging students and providing meaningful insight into construction careers. Working closely with the College, BAM delivered a programme of site visits, industry talks and hands-on learning opportunities. Students gained first-hand experience of live construction environments, learning about health and safety, project planning, design coordination and site management from BAM’s project team and supply chain partners.

BAM also supported Yeovil College student Alfie through a six-month media placement on the project, highlighting the breadth of opportunities available within construction beyond traditional site roles. Alfie worked alongside BAM’s communications team to document the redevelopment from his unique perspective as someone with cerebral palsy, capturing the project through his own lens and demonstrating the impact of inclusive, accessible design.

Tim Chell, Western Region Director at BAM UK & Ireland, said:

“Handing over the Construction Innovation Centre at Yeovil College is a proud moment for everyone involved. This facility represents far more than a new building, it is an investment in the future of our industry and the communities we serve. At a time when the construction sector faces a critical skills shortage, creating inspiring, industry-standard learning environments is essential to attracting and developing the next generation of talent.

Throughout the project, we have worked closely with the college to give students meaningful insight into construction careers, from site engagement and industry talks to practical learning activities alongside our project teams and partners. We are passionate about creating clear pathways from education into employment, and this centre will play a vital role in equipping students with the skills, confidence and ambition to succeed.”

Principal & Chief Executive of Yeovil College, Mark Bolton, said:

“The opening of our Construction Innovation Centre represents another transformative moment for Yeovil College. As the Big Build progresses, each new building enhances the outstanding opportunities available to our learners, and today’s handover from BAM to the DfE and Yeovil College marks the start of an exciting chapter for construction education in our community.”

The project forms part of BAM’s wider commitment to delivering lasting social value through its projects, supporting education, creating opportunities for young people, and helping to ensure the construction industry has the skilled workforce it needs for the future.