Construction skills academy launched to tackle industry shortfall

A new construction skills academy has been launched in Salford by Vistry Group at its Fairways residential development in a bid to address the industry’s skills shortfall.

The Brackley Village Skills Academy has been opened in collaboration with local education and training providers to introduce learners of all ages to the skills needed to thrive in a construction career.

Based within a custom-built facility in Little Hulton, the Skills Academy is expected to inspire hundreds of learners as work continues on construction of new homes on the former Brackley Golf Club site over the next two years.

The Fairways will feature 345 homes, 138 available for rent and managed by Sigma, 41 will be affordable and managed by Great Places, while the remaining 166 will be marketed for sale by Countryside Homes, part of Vistry Group.

The Brackley Village Skills Academy will work with the Salford Skills and Work Board, Ionic Community Connections and Frameworks Social Enterprise CIC.

According to the UK Trade Skills Index 2024, 1.3 million new recruits and 350,000 apprentices are needed in the construction sector over the next decade if it is going to keep up with targets for new homes and reach net zero targets.

The academy could inspire young people who missed out on periods of classroom education during the global Covid 19 pandemic. Many have found it more difficult than previous generations to set their sights on a specific career path.

Officially opening Brackley Village Skills Academy, Ceremonial Mayor of Salford City Council, Cllr Tanya Burch, said it was vitally important that people seeking skills and employment can share in the opportunities presented by construction of new homes in the city. 

Cllr Burch said: “The Brackley Village Skills Academy is a fantastic initiative that reflects the strong partnership between local education providers and the construction industry here in Salford. This academy opens doors to exciting career opportunities, ensuring that people of all ages in our city can gain the skills and confidence they need to build a brighter future for themselves and for Salford.”

Joe Turner, Managing Director, Vistry Manchester and Cheshire East, said: “The Brackley Village Skills Academy can play a vital role in inspiring local people to consider a career in construction, opening the door to incredibly rewarding career opportunities and helping to alleviate the talent shortage facing the construction sector.”

First launched by Vistry in 2017, the Vistry Skills Academy initiative is an innovative training programme designed to encourage more people to enter construction while combating the skills shortage affecting the sector.

Delivered nationwide, each Academy provides onsite training, mentoring, and skills development, creating opportunities for local people to gain work experience and vocational qualifications. Each Academy is delivered in partnership with local authorities, schools, colleges, and the local supply chain.

The combined Brackley Golf Club site, which encompasses a further 345 homes to be delivered by Bellway, is poised to significantly contribute to Salford City Council’s housing targets.

As well as enhanced transport connections and education provision, Vistry is investing in Amblecote playing fields – including building a new changing room facility. Furthermore, Vistry aims to enhance the public realm and contribute to off-site open spaces.