Bridge into Construction Programme Takes Shape

Build UK and Collab Group’s ‘Bridge into Construction’ programme is taking shape, with the programme being promoted to potential students in advance of the new academic year.

Background

The one year further education course will begin on 1 October 2017 and be piloted by three colleges across the country. The course will provide a consistent level of training and competence and equip students with the introductory skills they need to embark on an apprenticeship in construction.

A project-based teaching style will allow the participating students to understand the lifecycle of a construction project – from the tendering stage, through to design, construction and post-construction. The course will also provide students with qualifications including the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, and provide a strong foundation for a future career in the industry.

Developed from employer feedback, the course offers a clear route into a Career in Construction; linking students to genuine work experience opportunities and providing employers with direct access to a ‘talent pool’ of potential apprentices.

The pilot will also allow the construction and further education sectors to trial an industry vocational route at least four years ahead of the Government timetable set out in the Post-16 Skills Plan.

Build UK Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol MBE said: “This programme has the potential to be a game changer for construction. Providing a course that offers the work ready skills employers are looking for increases the chances of students pursuing a career in construction and taking up an apprenticeship. We now need employers of all sizes to play their part by offering work experience to young people attending their local college and take the opportunity to secure their next apprentice and future workforce”

Ian Pretty, Chief Executive of Collab Group, said: “This exciting project is a real opportunity for Collab Group Colleges to make a difference to the work outcomes of the students who attend construction courses. Engaging with industry via Build UK and its members will increase the number of young people entering a construction apprenticeship, reducing the number who currently are leaving construction FE courses to pursue alternative careers.”