Northamptonshire is responding to changes in the construction industry with a new approach to offering training, education and experience.

The industry is under increasing pressure, with a growing demand from government and property buyers for more environmentally friendly buildings. Together, Northamptonshire’s Moulton College and Construction Futures are tackling this challenge and setting an example for other parts of the country to follow.

Moulton College has developed a leading edge training programme, with its curriculum now covering modern building techniques and renewable energy systems. Students at the college also have the chance to work with Construction Futures – an award winning scheme which uses the planning system to secure training placements and apprenticeships on local sites.

Neil Dellar, Head of the Construction Faculty at Moulton College said: "Renewable energy systems as well as new building materials and techniques have changed the shape of the construction workforce. Moulton College recognises that its students need to be exposed to these initiatives now.

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"Traditional skills and methods of building will still be delivered but all students will now work with new technologies, such as timber and steel frame construction, as well as solar panels and water recycling to name but a few. This is designed to put our students at the forefront of a competitive employment market when they leave us after successfully completing their studies."

Peter Caffry, Construction Futures Manager said: "Construction Futures is able to help college students take their first steps onto the career ladder and put their classroom knowledge into practice. It’s a very effective partnership – over 50 students from the college have already benefitted. Our operational model has attracted a lot of interest and has the potential to be adopted by planning authorities nationwide."

Established by West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, Construction Futures makes the delivery of training and apprenticeships a legal requirement for developers that receive planning permission. The training requirements are forecasted at the planning application stage and enshrined in eventual section 106 agreements. Once the development is on site, Construction Futures works with local colleges to supply suitably skilled trainees.

The majority of full time construction courses at Moulton College are taught for three days per week. This gives students the opportunity to gain part time work in the industry, get valuable practical experience, and potentially secure apprenticeships.