News & Events

The Skills Centre has launched a Pipefitting NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations (Engineering Practices) which is ideal for experienced operatives looking to prove their competence in real workplace conditions.

The qualification builds practical skills across essential engineering activities, including safe working practices, machining, assembly, maintenance, and technical understanding - all aligned with national occupational standards.

But what exactly is pipefitting and why is it a good trade to learn? We explain more.

The construction industry is facing a significant workforce challenge. Demand for skilled workers continues to rise, yet many employers are struggling to recruit and retain the talent they need to deliver projects, achieve business objectives and support future growth.

At the same time, thousands of young people across the UK are leaving school each year unsure of what comes next. Alongside those who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET), they represent a significant pool of untapped talent with the potential to help address the industry’s ongoing workforce challenges.

For many young people, leaving school is a defining moment. After years of education, deciding on a career path can feel daunting, particularly when traditional routes are often seen as the only options. While university and apprenticeships remain valuable pathways, there are many routes into a successful career - and construction offers a wide range of opportunities for people with different interests, skills and ambitions.

For employers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. By engaging with school leavers and NEET young people through apprenticeships, pre-employment programmes and entry-level training, businesses can build a future pipeline of skilled and motivated workers while helping more young people access rewarding careers.

Creating greater awareness of the opportunities available within construction is essential to attracting the next generation of talent. From technical roles and skilled trades to digital, environmental and project-based careers, the industry offers diverse pathways for those looking to build a long-term future.

The Skills Centre works with construction employers across the UK to help bridge this gap. Through industry-led apprenticeships and pre-employment programmes, we equip candidates with the qualifications, practical skills and workplace experience they need to make an immediate impact.

More than 36,000 people have already started their construction careers through our training programmes, helping employers access new talent while supporting the long-term resilience and sustainability of the industry.

The Government’s decision to expand the Cladding Safety Scheme to include lower-rise buildings with serious fire risks is a positive step forward for residents, building owners and the wider construction industry. And, as more buildings become eligible for support, demand for skilled professionals to deliver remediation work safely and effectively will continue to grow.

Employers need access to a skilled workforce capable of carrying out specialist cladding and retrofit work, and without enough trained professionals, projects risk delays, rising costs and ongoing recruitment challenges.

At The Skills Centre, we're helping bridge that gap by working with employers to develop the skilled workforce the industry needs. Through our specialist cladding and retrofit training programmes, we're equipping learners with the practical skills and knowledge to move into employment, giving employers access to job-ready talent while creating rewarding career opportunities in one of construction's fastest-growing sectors.

Young people who have been in care to get training and jobs on some of Britain’s biggest construction projects

• Leading companies across the construction industry and national supply chain - including Heathrow, Lower Thames Crossing and Gallagher Group - will work together with TfL property arm Places for London to develop opportunities for people who have experience of the care system
• Supported by Fatima Whitbread’s charity, FATIMA’s UK CAMPAIGN, the partners will provide training, work placements and more to help those who grew up in care find new careers
• Programme responds to growing demand for skilled workers in construction and infrastructure sectors while also tackling barriers to work among young people with experience of the care system

Apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways for employers to grow their workforce – but how they are delivered makes all the difference to producing a site-ready candidate. While colleges also offer apprenticeships, here are 5 reasons why partnering with an independent training provider such as The Skills Centre offers distinct advantages. 

When hiring an apprentice, it’s important to consider their entire apprenticeship journey. While hands-on, practical experience in the workplace is essential, apprentices also need dedicated off-the-job, theory-based learning to build the knowledge and understanding of their role.

Both elements are critical to long-term development and success. For many employers, the challenge lies in striking the right balance, ensuring apprentices have sufficient protected study time while still gaining valuable, real-world experience on site.

Training is therefore central to any successful apprenticeship. A strong programme is about more than simply filling a vacancy - it’s about strengthening your business through structured learning, upskilling and future workforce development.

One effective way to achieve this balance is through a Block Release Apprenticeship. Here, we explain what block release means, how it works in practice, and the benefits it offers for both employers and apprentices.

In today’s fast-moving construction industry, employers are under increasing pressure to deliver projects efficiently, keep pace with evolving regulations, and retain a highly skilled workforce. And, while entry-level training and trade qualifications are essential, investing in high-level NVQs can provide long-term benefits for both businesses and employees. Here we look at the benefits of investing in high-level NVQs for employers and why it’s a great path to upskill existing teams.

Recruiting skilled, reliable talent in construction can be a challenge, particularly when the construction industry needs people who are ready to work, eager to learn and capable of progressing into long-term roles.

Foundation Apprenticeships offer employers a practical way to build a future workforce while supporting young people into the industry. Designed as a pre-apprenticeship programme, Foundation Apprenticeships give employers access to motivated individuals who have already developed core workplace skills and are ready to gain experience on site. It’s an opportunity to shape future talent, reduce recruitment risks and create a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers.