Students have graduated from Build Academy, a landmark pilot program developed by members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and delivered in partnership with Shooters Hill Sixth Form College, to create a new pipeline of skilled tradespeople.
The graduation ceremony at Shooters Hill Sixth Form College celebrated a major milestone for the program, which was purpose-built to tackle one of the biggest threats facing British construction: a chronic shortage of site-ready workers entering the industry, with 61% of FMB member firms struggling to recruit skilled tradespeople.
Build Academy takes a radically different approach to construction education. Rather than a traditional college setting, students spend their time in a purpose-built workshop environment that mirrors a real working day on site, developing practical skills across bricklaying, tiling, plastering, painting and decorating, and carpentry. The curriculum was designed and executed by FMB members, ensuring graduates leave site-ready for work.
The program forms part of the CITB's RMI (retrofit) Sector Skills Plan, launching next month, which sets out a national framework for growing the pipeline of tradespeople needed to deliver Britain's retrofit and repair ambitions.
For many of Build Academy's first cohort, the program has been transformational not just professionally, but personally. Holly Bennett arrived at Shooters Hill Sixth Form College in September 2024 having enrolled on a Level 1 multi-trade course. When Build Academy tutors spotted her potential and encouraged her to apply, she seized the opportunity. At the graduation, she said:
"Before I joined, I would never have imagined being capable of producing work to such a high standard. Carpentry has become my passion and I'm especially proud of the projects I've completed. The Academy completely transformed me, my confidence, my skills, my ambitions. Teamwork was something I always struggled with, but working alongside others on real, hands-on projects taught me the value of communication, cooperation and supporting the people around you. To any young person wondering whether to join, I would recommend it without hesitation. It has had a lasting impact on my life and I will always be grateful for the opportunity."
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, added:
"Build Academy is proof that when the industry takes ownership of the skills challenge, real change is possible. We cannot build the homes we need without the tradespeople to build them and for too long, we have failed to show young people that a career in construction is something to aspire to. Today's graduates are an inspiration. The FMB will keep pushing to scale this model across other sites, to give other young people a chance to take up a career in construction."
Tom Peardon, London Director at the Federation of Master Builders, added:
"These graduates have done something remarkable. They came in as young people who had never set foot on a building site and they left as skilled, site-ready tradespeople who London's builders will be lucky to have. Build Academy works because it was designed by builders, for builders and because the young people who came through it gave everything. We now need more London firms to step up and offer these graduates the apprenticeships they have earned."
Tim Balcon, Chief Executive of CITB, concluded:
"Programs like the Build Academy show what can be achieved when employers take a leading role in shaping how we train the next generation of construction workers. Giving young people the opportunity to develop real, site-ready skills in a working environment is crucial if we are to tackle the skills challenge facing our industry.
"We know there is no single solution to closing the skills gap, but initiatives like this play a hugely important role. The focus now needs to be supporting learners into long-term careers and ensuring employers continue to create the opportunities that allow them to progress. If we can replicate this approach at scale, it will mean a much brighter and stronger future for the construction workforce."
For more information visit fmb.org.uk
