Build Academy has marked the graduation of its inaugural class, introducing a fresh model for training the skilled workers Britain's construction sector urgently needs. The pilot programme was developed by members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and delivered in partnership with Shooters Hill Sixth Form College to build a new pipeline of trades talent.

A ceremony at Shooters Hill Sixth Form College celebrated a key milestone for the initiative, created to confront one of the industry's most pressing challenges: a chronic shortfall of site-ready entrants. According to the FMB's State of Trade Survey, 61% of member firms are finding it difficult to recruit skilled tradespeople.

Unlike conventional college courses, the programme places learners in a purpose-built workshop that mirrors a real working day on site. Students develop hands-on skills across bricklaying, tiling, plastering, painting and decorating, and carpentry. With the curriculum designed and delivered by FMB members, graduates leave ready to contribute on site from day one.

The first cohort of 20 learners completed multi-trade, site-ready training, underscoring the programme's focus on practical skills and employer-led standards.

Build Academy forms part of CITB's RMI (retrofit) Sector Skills Plan, launching next month, which outlines a national framework to grow the workforce needed for the UK's retrofit and repair ambitions.

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For many of those graduating, the programme has been transformative both professionally and personally. At the event, learner Holly Bennett said: "Before I joined, I would never have imagined being capable of producing work to such a high standard. Carpentry has become my passion and I'm especially proud of the projects I've completed. The Academy completely transformed me, my confidence, my skills, my ambitions. Teamwork was something I always struggled with, but working alongside others on real, hands-on projects taught me the value of communication, cooperation and supporting the people around you. To any young person wondering whether to join, I would recommend it without hesitation. It has had a lasting impact on my life and I will always be grateful for the opportunity."

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: "Build Academy is proof that when the industry takes ownership of the skills challenge, real change is possible. We cannot build the homes we need without the tradespeople to build them and for too long, we have failed to show young people that a career in construction is something to aspire to. Today's graduates are an inspiration. The FMB will keep pushing to scale this model across other sites, to give other young people a chance to take up a career in construction."

Tom Peardon, London Director at the Federation of Master Builders, added: "These graduates have done something remarkable. They came in as young people who had never set foot on a building site and they left as skilled, site-ready tradespeople who London's builders will be lucky to have. Build Academy works because it was designed by builders, for builders and because the young people who came through it gave everything. We now need more London firms to step up and offer these graduates the apprenticeships they have earned."

Tim Balcon, Chief Executive of CITB, concluded: "Programs like the Build Academy show what can be achieved when employers take a leading role in shaping how we train the next generation of construction workers. Giving young people the opportunity to develop real, site-ready skills in a working environment is crucial if we are to tackle the skills challenge facing our industry.

"We know there is no single solution to closing the skills gap, but initiatives like this play a hugely important role. The focus now needs to be supporting learners into long-term careers and ensuring employers continue to create the opportunities that allow them to progress. If we can replicate this approach at scale, it will mean a much brighter and stronger future for the construction workforce."