Marvin OnumonuThe Home Builders Federation (HBF) has launched its ‘Partner a College’ programme, linking housebuilders with further education colleges to help construction students gain practical, job-ready skills.
The two-year pilot, funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), brings together 10 colleges across England and builders such as Barratt Redrow, Keepmoat, Anwyl Homes, The Hill Group, Untypical, Davidson Homes, The Tara Group, Taylor Wimpey, Wienerberger and Ibstock Plc.
Colleges taking part are Oaklands College, Loughborough College/SMB College Group, Hugh Baird College, Preston College, Moulton College, York College, West Suffolk College, Moreton Morrell College, Walsall College and Nottingham College.
Builders will help shape course content, lead workshops, support classroom learning, offer work placements and host site visits.
The programme aims to make training more relevant and support students moving into jobs.
Andy George, director of skills and attraction at HBF, said: “The Partner a College programme is another example of how industry is taking decisive action to future-proof its workforce and ensure that new entrants are properly equipped to thrive in their careers.
“By embedding real industry insight into education, we’re giving students a clearer, more practical route into home building, and giving employers a stronger, more reliable pipeline of talent.
“It’s a proactive model for tackling the skills gap, and it’s great to see interest in the programme and this model growing across the sector.”
Oliver Symons, principal and CEO at Moulton College, said: “We are proud to be part of the Partner a College pilot and to work alongside leading employers to shape the future of construction skills.
“At Moulton, we see first-hand the talent and ambition of our students, and this initiative will give them the vital site-based experience and industry insight they need to thrive.
“By aligning what happens in the college with the reality of modern construction, we can equip people with the confidence, skills and opportunities to build lasting careers, while helping the sector to address critical skills shortages.”
Symons added: “This is an exciting step forward for both education and industry, and we are delighted to be at the forefront of it.”
Shaun Sumner, construction director at Anwyl Homes Lancashire, 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.”
Cheryl Brown, head of corporate affairs and social impact at Ibstock Plc said: “Ibstock is proud to be joining the Partner a College programme as a building materials manufacturer.
“While not housebuilders ourselves, we’re committed to helping address the sector’s skills gap.
“This partnership enables us to support the next generation of construction talent and contribute to building safe, resilient, high-quality homes.”
Brown added: “It’s also a chance to engage with communities near our manufacturing sites, including social housing residents, offering practical guidance on careers in the built environment.
“The industry can be fragmented, and we believe that only through collaboration – across the sector and with education – can we drive meaningful, lasting impact.”
Juliet Smithson, head of employer delivery and engagement at CITB said: “The Partner a College programme is an excellent example of how the industry and further education can work together to tackle the skills challenges facing construction.
“By bringing homebuilders directly into colleges, this initiative will give students the real-world experience and confidence they need to move from the classroom into rewarding careers.
“It’s exactly the kind of practical, collaborative solution we need to build a strong and sustainable future workforce.”
