Sacyr UK has announced the launch of the UK's first Construction Disability Inclusion Academy, based at the site of the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) in Cardiff.

The initiative is designed to support individuals who have been out of work due to a disability by providing a clear entry point into the construction industry.

The academy is a collaborative effort between Sacyr UK, the lead contractor for the nVCC, and the National Diversity Employment and Advisory Service (NDEAS). The initial two-week programme will introduce up to twelve participants to the fundamentals of the sector. Upon completion, at least one trainee is guaranteed a position with Sacyr UK on the cancer centre project.

The nVCC is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Wales and is scheduled to open in spring 2027. To ensure the site is inclusive for all staff, Sacyr UK has invested in an accessible lift system that provides access to all levels of the build, making it a fully accessible construction environment.

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Katie Hathaway, Stakeholder Engagement and Community Benefits Manager at Sacyr UK, said: "Social value is a key part of our project work here at the new Velindre Cancer Centre and we are so pleased to be opening the doors to the first cohort of this Academy. We have a serious shortage of skills in the construction industry and so excluding great swathes of the population due to a disability just doesn't make sense to us."

She added: "With the support of Velindre University NHS Trust and Welsh Government, this collaboration has enabled us to develop programmes that create meaningful and sustainable employment pathways for people with disabilities. We are extremely proud to be leading this important initiative."

The academy is the first in a series of planned trainee schemes at the site, with future programmes set to focus on healthcare careers and entrepreneurship. The latter will provide business insight and the potential for grant funding for those looking to start their own companies.

Dan Biddle of NDEAS commented: "This academy is unique and provides an amazing opportunity for those who may have felt that a career in construction was beyond their reach. The commitment from Sacyr UK to push this forward means we can open up the industry to a wider audience."

Applications for the academy can be made via the NDEAS website, while further details regarding the nVCC project are available at newvelindre.info/home.