New Formwork Bootcamp Launches to Address Growing Construction Skills Shortage in London

The Skills Centre, as part of the London Skills Bootcamps initiative, has launched a new bootcamp to provide a fully-funded opportunity for Londoners to retrain, upskill, or start a new career in construction. 

The fully-funded programme, designed with input from employers and the Construct Group, which represents approximately 80% of UK concrete frame contractors, aims to improve the safety and efficiency of building in-situ concrete frames. The course aims to support both newcomers to the industry and those already employed who wish to specialise in formwork.

Learners will receive six weeks of practical skills training with a focus on formwork and carpentry skills alongside vital health and safety modules designed to prepare them for an apprenticeship or traineeship in formwork.

They will attain a number of qualifications including the first unit of the L2 diploma "Knowledge of Fabrication and Repair to Formwork Panels", which is the first step to achieving a blue ‘skilled worker’ CSCS Card.

On completion of their training, candidates will complete two-weeks on-site work experience with one of The Skill Centre’s recruiting employers and will receive career support and mentoring to help them find a sustainable job or apprenticeship. Employers will also engage with learners during the training, providing tool-box talks and insights into their work and vacancies. 

Jon Howlin, CEO of The Skills Centre, one of the UK’s most successful construction training providers, said: “This is a unique opportunity to join a growing industry. The latest CITB report anticipates that over 251,500 additional construction workers will be needed to meet UK construction output by 2028 so it’s imperative that we train people in the skills needed to meet this demand.

“At The Skills Centre, we take pride in collaborating with employers and construction companies, ensuring we equip our learners with the exact skills these industries need. Our goal is to support learners in securing employment while meeting the workforce demands of our employer partners.

“These Skills Bootcamps are a great way for those who have an interest in joining the construction industry to take their first steps towards a construction career. We are delighted to be working with the Construct Group and Greater London Authority to train the formworkers of the future.”

Learners will attain the following qualifications:

• Unit of L2 "Knowledge of Fabrication and Repair to Formwork Panels": Provides foundational skills for safe and efficient formwork installation.
• Personal Wellbeing in Construction: Focuses on mental health and resilience in the workplace.
• Environmental Awareness: Equips learners with knowledge of eco-friendly practices.
• Fire Safety and Working at Heights: Critical safety skills for work in high-risk environments.

The free programme is available to anyone who has lived in the UK/ Europe for the last three years who is currently living in a London Borough. Learners must be unemployed, economically inactive or earning less that £25,000 p/a, be aged 19+, hold photographic ID and CSCS Green Card (preferred but not essential), and must also be able to commit to attending the required times for the full duration of the course. The first enrolment will take place in November 2024, with additional intakes in January and February 2025.

For more information, email: info@theskillscentre.co.uk or click here.