Developed by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the initiative brings together colleges and leading home builders to create stronger pathways from education into employment. By embedding industry expertise directly into teaching and training, the programme ensures students develop the practical, job-ready skills that employers value and the sector needs.

As part of the pilot, Hugh Baird College will work closely with participating home builders to ensure that curriculum content reflects the real demands of modern construction sites. This collaboration will see employers help shape course design, deliver classroom and workshop sessions, host site visits, and offer work placements to provide students with vital hands-on experience.

This announcement highlights the exceptional success of Hugh Baird College, which was awarded an Ofsted Outstanding rating earlier this year. This recognition is held by only three colleges in the North West and places the College among the top 10% nationally.

Hugh Baird College has also been ranked the No. 1 further education college in the country for Tech Level 3 Progress and achieved a 100% pass rate across many vocational subjects. Together, these achievements highlight the College’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality education and outstanding learner achievement.

The national programme has brought together a diverse group of partners, including Barratt Redrow, Keepmoat, Anwyl Homes, The Hill Group, Untypical, Davidson Homes, The Tara Group, Taylor Wimpey and Ibstock Plc. Alongside Hugh Baird College, other participating FE colleges include Oaklands College, Loughborough College/SMB College Group, Preston College, Moulton College, York College, West Suffolk College, Moreton Morrell College, Walsall College, and Nottingham College.

Speaking about the announcement, Rachael Hennigan, Principal and Chief Executive at Hugh Baird College, said:

“We are delighted that Hugh Baird College has been chosen to take part in the Partner a College programme. Our construction students are ambitious and talented, and this initiative will give them unparalleled opportunities to gain first-hand industry insight, develop practical skills, and prepare for lasting careers in the sector.

“Alongside this, our investment in areas such as retrofit and sustainable construction techniques ensures learners are developing the expertise that today’s employers demand. It marks an exciting step forward for Hugh Baird College and for the Liverpool City Region, delivering real impact for learners and industry alike.”

Andy George, Director of Skills and Attraction at Home Builders Federation, said:

“The Partner a College programme is another example of how industry is taking decisive action to future-proof its workforce and ensure that new entrants are properly equipped to thrive in their careers.”

“By embedding real industry insight into education, we’re giving students a clearer, more practical route into home building, and giving employers a stronger, more reliable pipeline of talent. It’s a proactive model for tackling the skills gap, and it’s great to see interest in the programme and this model growing across the sector.”

Juliet Smithson, Head of Employer Delivery and Engagement at CITB said:

“The Partner a College programme is an excellent example of how the industry and further education can work together to tackle the skills challenges facing construction. By bringing homebuilders directly into colleges, this initiative will give students the real-world experience and confidence they need to move from the classroom into rewarding careers. It’s exactly the kind of practical, collaborative solution we need to build a strong and sustainable future workforce.”

The Partner a College initiative is a central pillar of the HBF’s newly launched Home Building Sector Skills Plan, which sets out a coordinated approach to building a more resilient and inclusive workforce for the future. It sits alongside programmes such as employer-led masterclasses, NHBC Multi Skill Hubs, and the Women into Home Building programme, all designed to widen access and strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers.