Berkeley and West London College have launched one of the country's first purpose-built construction academies.

The West London Construction Academy, which has officially opened in Southall Waterside, aims to tackle the U''s construction skills crisis and address the exodus of talent from the industry.

The academy will be delivered in partnership with West London College.

Recent figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors show that more people are leaving the construction industry than joining it, threatening productivity and growth. The skills shortage is now seen as an even more pressing problem in the industry than planning and regulation.

With a shortage of homes, it is vital that the sector tackles the skills crisis head on. If it does not the workforce will decrease by 20–25% in the next decade.

Berkeley Group chief executive Rob Perrins said: "The West London Construction Academy aims to address the industry’s skills gap for the long term by inspiring the next generation and preparing them for the world of work, including giving them the best chance of securing a placement at the end of their apprenticeships.


"We want people to see that an apprenticeship is often just the first step of a lifelong career. At Berkeley half of our 15 divisional managing directors don’t have a degree, with four starting out as apprentices. The experience they gained onsite was invaluable and goes to show that apprenticeships open doors and are just as valuable as degrees – if not more."

The new 'By Industry, For Industry' curriculum has been designed by Berkeley Group, West London College and trade partners. Apprentices will gain on-the-job experience alongside classroom and online learning, bridging the skills gap for the long term and allowing students to earn as they learn.

All apprentices will benefit from individual support from business champions and mentors.

Courses available include services vital to the industry such as bricklaying, plastering, drylining and carpentry and are open to anyone aged 16 and above.

Apprentices graduating from the academy will be given the best chance of securing employment at the end of their courses – putting their skills to use straight away. A number of positions will be available with Berkeley and its supply chain at Southall Waterside itself.

This will maintain momentum and motivation and help retain skills within the industry, as well as providing the opportunity for apprentices to work on one of the most ambitious regeneration projects taking place in the UK.

Karen Redhead, chief executive at West London College, said: "West London has a number of major projects either planned or underway, from Southall Waterside and HS2, to Crossrail and Old Oak Common; training local people will be integral to the success and timely delivery of these projects – and will be an incredible opportunity to build experience and establish desirable skills. West London College is thrilled to be in the position to offer such an incredible facility to the industry."