A pioneering highways skills academy offering fully funded, accredited training to military service leavers and veterans is set to open in Oxfordshire this February, creating new pathways into civilian employment while helping to address skills shortages in the highways sector.
The Building Heroes Highways Training Academy will be based at the Drayton highways depot and is sponsored by Oxfordshire County Council’s principal highways contractor, M Group.
The programme is delivered by military charity Building Heroes and aims to support Armed Forces personnel transitioning into civilian life, while building the specialist skills needed to maintain and improve the county’s road network.
Service leavers and veterans enrolled on the four-week programme will gain industry-recognised qualifications, including New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA), also known as Streetworks certification, and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) accreditation.
Participants will also receive practical, hands-on training in key areas such as traffic management and emergency first aid. Training will be delivered by industrial training experts C&G Services.
Each cohort will consist of around eight participants and will include guaranteed interview opportunities with M Group Highways, providing a direct route into employment for those completing the programme.
The academy is designed to equip learners with both the technical qualifications and practical experience required to succeed in the highways industry.
As an Armed Forces Covenant Gold employer, M Group is backing the initiative with significant investment and support, underlining its commitment to delivering social value and supporting local communities. The academy will also play a role in tackling the critical skills shortage currently facing the highways and infrastructure sector.
Building Heroes Education Foundation is an award-winning tri-service military charity that supports members of the Armed Forces community into meaningful second careers within construction and the built environment.
Richard Lovewell, Business Director at M Group Highways, said:
“M Group is very proud to be sponsoring the Building Heroes Highways Academy, we recognise the enormous potential of armed forces leavers and want to support them as they build meaningful civilian careers.
“Through this ongoing partnership and investment we hope the participants see the value and opportunities that M Group can offer as we develop the vital skills required to maintain our highways.”
Chris Charles, Chief Executive of Building Heroes Education Foundation, said:
“We are pleased to be opening the Building Heroes Training Academy in partnership with M Group and C&G Services. Supporting members of the Armed Forces community into meaningful civilian employment is central to our charitable purpose.
“This Academy will equip learners with recognised skills and qualifications while supporting Oxfordshire County Council and our partners in developing a skilled and resilient highways workforce that benefits the wider community.”
Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council and Overall Military Champion, said:
“We are committed to supporting our military forces communities across the county and are delighted to be involved in this excellent initiative. This new academy is about creating opportunities for people who’ve served our country while developing the skilled workforce Oxfordshire needs.”
