If you're interested in working in the construction industry, we can help. We are offering free training to give you the core skills and practical experience you need to help get your construction career off the ground.

Thanks to a grant from the Department for Education (DfE) to address the national skills gap in construction, working with Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), we have put in place the Northamptonshire Construction Skills Programme.

Through the programme, we are offering free bitesize training courses covering a range of building trades including associated office skills, and practical work experience at live construction sites across the county to help you lay the foundations for your construction career.

Northamptonshire is an area of significant growth. There are a wide range of construction jobs available in the county, and by signing up to the Construction Skills Programme, you could be part of building its future, as well as your own.

Who can apply for the training?

Anyone aged 18 and above not currently working in the construction sector can apply for the training, you don't need any previous experience or skills and we welcome applications from everybody regardless of your background.

Our courses give you the opportunity to learn more about the construction industry and will help you find the right role for you. We particularly welcome applications from the under-represented groups in the sector including:

  • people who are unemployed and seeking employment
  • women
  • ex-military personnel
  • people looking to change career
  • ex-offenders
  • adults with disabilities
  • minority ethnic groups
  • young people leaving care

Watch this short video to find out more on what the Construction Skills Hub can offer you:

Want to know more about this exciting opportunity?

Complete our expression of interest form and we'll get back to you with more information. Please note, you will need to create an account to access the form, and as it will take a some time to complete, remember to save regularly.

Expression of interest online form

The training courses

Training is bitesize and will cover a minimum of five days, and will be a mix of classroom based learning and practical experience on site. This will give you an introduction to the construction sector and will help you discover the right trade for you as well as providing a platform to help you get your first job in construction.

What qualifications do the courses give?

You will be awarded with basic level qualifications relevant to the courses that you have taken including health and safety, manual handling and first aid. You will also be given CSCS card accreditation which gives you access to construction sites and is an essential requirement in the construction industry.

Along with the qualifications, the training will help build your confidence, give you core skills including the practical elements of construction, and help boost your employability for getting your first construction job.

Meet the construction workers

What's it really like to work in construction? Find out from some workers who are involved in construction projects across Northamptonshire.

​"There can be stigma around women working in construction, so I was nervous starting my role. It's not just a job for men though, women can definitely do it too and I would encourage them to make the career move if they are interested!

"I'm part of a great and diverse team and shouldn't have worried. My role gives me the change to learn and grow professionally and personally. The best bit is knowing I'm helping to make a difference in my local area."

​"I always wanted to work in construction since I was a young lad. When I left school I started my training in construction and my mind was made up! I enjoy the challenges the job brings, the career opportunities and the variety of projects you get to work on."

"The sense of achievement you get when your building projects are complete is over-whelming. It feels great to see people using and enjoying a building that you've helped create."

"Anyone can work in construction, there are thousands of roles in the industry and something suitable for everybody's skills and abilities. If you're interested, definitely go for it!"

​"I'm doing an apprenticeship which is brilliant as I get to try a bit of everything. I'm not sure exactly what I want to do in construction yet, so my apprenticeship is a great way to get involved with lots of different aspects and see how it all works together."

"There are so many opportunities in construction, it doesn't only mean working on building sites, you could work in an office doing planning, or lay cables and infrastructure, or even build and repair roads. The possibilities do seem endless, it's a great industry to get into."

"I was nervous starting my apprenticeship on site. The team have been great though, really welcoming and always happy to answer my questions which I have a lot of!"

"I go to college for study days as part of my apprenticeship where I get to catch up with other apprentices while learning off site skills. I really enjoy this side of it as it's great to hear what other people are doing, we all learn from each other."

"Go for it if you are interested, there's such a variety in construction. Every day is different which keeps you motivated and wanting to learn more."

Useful links

Are you a construction employer wanting to know more?

For the Construction Skills Programme we want to work with local construction employers who are keen to support our learners with their next steps. Could your organisation work with us on any of the following?

  • Providing work experience for the Construction Skills Programme learners
  • Offering apprenticeships
  • Sharing information about jobs available and giving access to job interviews
  • Running a short training session for learners

If you would like to help or if you would like to know more contact the Construction Hub.