Housebuilders welcome students to skills academy
Housebuilders Vistry Group and Goram Homes, Bristol City Council’s housing company, recently welcomed a cohort of students from City of Bristol College to their skills aacademy.
They were given a taste of the construction industry thanks to the on-site Skills Academy.
Launched in 2017 by Vistry, the Skills Academy is an innovative training programme designed to encourage more people into construction, whilst combatting the skills shortage affecting the industry.
Delivered nationwide, each Skills Academy provides onsite training, mentoring and skills development, creating opportunities for local people to gain work experience and vocational qualifications.
The academies are delivered in partnership with local authorities, schools and colleges, and the local supply chain.
Two groups of students studying for a Higher National Certificate took part in a daylong session at the academy, where they gained practical construction knowledge to support their careers in the industry under the watchful eye of the tutors and site colleagues.
The Bristol Skills Academy was launched in May 2023, and has since helped provide a head-start for people seeking a career in construction, equipping them the skills and experience needed to take their first step in the industry.
One Lockleaze is the first development to be brought forward in Bristol by Goram Homes and Vistry.
When complete, the mixed-tenure development will include 268 new, high-quality, sustainable homes, from one[1]bedroom apartments to four-bedroom family houses, including 147 affordable homes.
Sue Scholfield, regional managing director of Vistry Bristol, said: “The One Lockleaze Skills Academy is providing opportunities for the local community to gain live site experience and equipping participants with the early skills needed for a career in construction.
“Working together with Goram Homes and partners like City of Bristol College, we’re helping to upskill the local workforce and to combat the wider skills shortage which is widespread across the industry. Last year we supported almost 300 learners across our various academies, and we hope that many more participants will be able to experience the One Lockleaze Academy.”
Stephen Baker, managing director of Goram Homes said: “The Skills Academy is a fantastic initiative that’s already changing the lives of those who walk through its doors. The free courses we offer to people who are unemployed, or earning less than the minimum wage, are designed to kickstart careers in construction and students have landed jobs in a range of roles across the industry. This is just one way that developers can support the communities in which it builds, and we hope to expand it to other areas in the future.”
Adegbenga Ashiru, lecturer – Construction Technologies at City of Bristol College, said: “City of Bristol College is thrilled to reflect on the recent site visit by our HN Construction and Built Environment students to the One Lockleaze Skills Academy.
“This hands-on experience was instrumental in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. The visit provided our students with invaluable insights into current Press release July 2024 industry practices, advanced construction techniques, and the latest safety protocols. Engaging directly with ongoing projects allowed them to observe the practical challenges and innovative solutions that define modern construction.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Bristol Skills Academy for hosting this enlightening event and to the dedicated staff who facilitated such a comprehensive learning experience. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to providing our students with exceptional educational opportunities that prepare them for successful careers in the construction industry.”
