Bradford College has received nearly £500,000 from the Department for Education to support young adults entering the construction sector.
Over £994,000 in Adult Skills Fund money was made available to regional colleges through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, with Bradford College securing almost half of the total. The funding has enabled the launch of the Bradford College Community Construction Academy, which has enrolled its first cohort of 15 students on a fully funded City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Construction Skills.
The programme targets adult learners aged 19-24, offering training in bricklaying, joinery, decorating, plumbing, tiling, and electrical work. Students also develop contextualised maths and English, employability and digital skills, and soft skills such as problem-solving.
John Wells, Bradford College Project Manager, 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.”
The college is partnering with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, The Sandale Trust in Buttershaw, Procure Plus, and Bradford Council. These partners provide community venues, help recruit participants, cover PPE costs, and secure work placement opportunities. Industry partners including Morgan Sindall, Sewell Group, Kier Group, and NG Bailey are supporting through work opportunities, workshops, masterclasses, and potential jobs.
John Wells added: “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 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.”
The programme allows participants to explore a range of construction trades before selecting a specialism, giving them broad skills attractive to employers. Over the next academic year, around 70 participants are expected to complete the 20-week rolling programme and progress to Level 2 training, apprenticeships, or employment.
The launch of the Community Construction Academy aligns with the Association of Colleges’ national ‘Adult Learning Pays’ campaign, highlighting how adult education can strengthen communities, support employers, and drive sustainable growth.
