Skip to content

Partnership to help strengthen construction skills and build careers

Linking with Preston College as part of a pioneering new programme, we’re helping young people develop construction skills and career

Together we’re participating in ‘Partner a College’, a two-year national pilot initiative developed by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

The initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by aligning construction curriculum with the practical, job-ready skills demanded by the industry.

Working with Preston College, we’ll help ensure their construction students gain the practical, job-ready skills employers need; by aligning a construction curriculum with the practical, job-ready skills the industry demands.

Construction director for our Lancashire business Shaun Sumner said: “We’re proud to be involved with the Partner a College programme and are looking forward to working with Preston College under the initiative. Together, we will provide young people in Lancashire with opportunities to learn and develop new skills and a route into a career in the housebuilding industry. Alongside classroom learning, they’ll benefit from on-site practical experience at our Walkers Glade development in Ingol.”

With less than 40% of further education construction students currently entering the sector, and many employers facing challenges navigating the education and apprenticeship system, the ‘Partner a College’ programme offers a collaborative solution. 

By bringing home builders directly into the classroom, the initiative ensures students at Preston College gain valuable site experience, industry insight, and access to work placements with leading home building companies.

Students and apprentices will benefit from classroom and workshop support, site visits, and direct mentorship from professionals, helping them develop the confidence and skills needed for successful careers in construction.

Mark Taylor, director of school for construction and the built environment at Preston College, said: "This partnership is a vital step forward in training our students with real-life experience and industry knowledge. By working hand-in-hand with leading home builders, such as Anwyl Homes, we are able to tailor our courses to meet current site demands and give our students the practical skills and confidence to succeed in their careers. Preston College is committed to supporting the future workforce of the construction industry, and this programme is an excellent platform to make that happen."

For more on building a career with Anwyl visit careers.anwyl.co.uk/