Construction Forum Brings Employers Together at Bradford College 

Bradford College welcomed construction businesses and industry stakeholders to its first-ever Construction Employer Forum this Friday.

The event, hosted by Greg Bourke (Head of Construction) and Judith Jackson (Head of Apprenticeships & Business Development), featured discussions on curriculum alignment, apprenticeship opportunities and the evolving needs of the construction industry.

Haj Lorgat, representing the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), presented vital information on accessing training pathways and funding options, enabling employers to upskill their teams and address labour shortages more effectively.

In a separate presentation, Steve Leach of North East Business Resilience Centre (NEBRC) underlined the growing importance of cybersecurity. As technology becomes part of nearly every sector, safeguarding critical data and systems has become a priority – even for hands-on trades.

Greg Bourke (pictured left) spoke about the significance of the Employer Forum in strengthening the College’s relationships with industry partners: “We are working closely with industry players to identify needs and keep pace with the ongoing shifts in the market – particularly around green skills and new in-demand roles.

“It’s about making sure our curriculum sets learners on the right path for progression, so they enter the workforce equipped with skills that meet the sector’s demands.” 

As one of the region’s leading training providers, Bradford College has built strong partnerships with employers in Yorkshire and beyond to refine its courses and apprenticeship delivery. By collaborating closely with industry professionals, the College ensures that learners gain both the theoretical knowledge and practical expertise necessary to excel across diverse industries.  

Judith Jackson also addressed attendees at the forum, speaking about the value apprenticeships can offer businesses looking to grow. She said: “With new government policies making it easier for companies to take on apprentices, and the apprenticeship levy providing extra support, we’re seeing more employers adopt apprenticeships as a key part of their workforce planning. 

“At Bradford College, we’re also offering bespoke short-term courses to help local businesses boost their teams’ skills. Events like today’s Forum let us hear directly from employers about their needs, so we can tailor our curriculum and support services accordingly.”

In an increasingly competitive job market, close collaboration between educators and industry is more important than ever. Construction businesses need apprentices who can step on-site and contribute from day one, while students benefit from work placements, networking opportunities, and exposure to industry-standard tools and techniques.

This emphasis on hands-on learning is also reflected in Bradford College’s continual efforts to upgrade its facilities. Earlier this month, the College unveiled a new Engineering Suite at its Trinity Green Campus in partnership with Metalcraft Group, a global precision-engineering firm.

Thanks to this collaboration, T Level Engineering students now have access to advanced resources and the chance to learn directly from experts in the field. 

Another highlight of the forum was the discussion about emerging trends, including sustainable materials, planning regulations, and health and safety practices.

Employers shared the challenges they currently face, from talent shortages to shifting market conditions, while College representatives offered updates on funding options, academic pathways, and other supportive services. 

One employer already seeing the benefits of partnering with Bradford College is Centurion Fire & Security Ltd, which currently employs four Bradford College apprentices. Sara Phillips from Centurion spoke about the significance of working with the College: “Working with the College, we get the reinforcement of the skills that we need, and we are also grateful for the enthusiasm and support of the apprenticeship business development team. I’ve learnt a lot about opportunities in the industry today, particularly regarding grants to support our apprentices and upskill existing staff. It’s been an informative session, and I’m already looking forward to the next edition.” 

Bradford College’s Construction courses provide a broad range of options, giving learners the flexibility to shape their career paths – whether they’re new to the industry or looking to enhance existing skills. With courses at Levels 1 through 3, as well as apprenticeship routes, students can progress at a pace that aligns with industry needs and gain the real-world experience necessary for future employment.

Find out more about Construction courses and Apprenticeships at Bradford College.