The Skills Centre

The Skills Centre: construction training with job outcomes in the UK

The Skills Centre presents itself as a UK-wide construction training and apprenticeship company with a community-focused, employer-led approach. Its activity combines technical training with career support, from entry level to NVQ level 7, and is delivered through a network of specialist centres.

Training programmes and services

The organisation's catalogue includes specialist apprenticeships in formwork, groundwork, steel fixing, highways and interior systems/dry lining. It also offers pre-employment training, short courses, CSCS digital training, functional skills, online training, NVQs and CSCS tests, as well as specialist skills training programmes and sector bootcamps.

Services for employers include managed apprenticeships, designed to maximise organisations' investment, train new employees and secure a pipeline of future talent. The organisation also delivers health and safety training so that workers have the knowledge, legal awareness and skills to manage risks on site.

Rainscreen cladding bootcamp

The site highlights a free rainscreen cladding bootcamp in London, with training, work experience and job opportunities for those seeking a career linked to sustainability. The company notes that the UK needs thousands of specialists in this field to meet its environmental goals and ensure safe and sustainable homes in cities.

Collaboration with communities and employers

The Skills Centre works with local communities, employers and funding partners to identify skills shortages and create opportunities for sustainable employment and career progression. The site mentions as a case study a collaboration with Lendlease and Southwark Council to provide construction training and employment to local residents.

The organisation also develops programmes to inspire younger generations, in collaboration with schools and organisations, and has specific initiatives for women in construction.

Coverage and regional presence

The company states it operates specialist training centres in London, West Midlands, Northampton, the south east of England and other areas. Its managed apprenticeship activity extends across London, West Midlands, Essex, Kent, Oxfordshire and the UK as a whole.

The site lists eleven locations and administrative offices, including centres in Stratford, Southwark, Earls Court, West Midlands, Gravesend, Edgware, Essex, Bicester and Coventry, as well as offices in London and Cardiff.

Activity data

According to figures published on the site, the organisation has trained more than 35,000 residents in London and the south east, West Midlands and other parts of the UK. The material shows indicators of 38,175 people trained, 827 apprenticeships created and 13,429 workers upskilled in one of its sections, and 36,754 people trained, 826 apprenticeships created and 12,948 workers upskilled in another.

Locations and premises

Build East Skills Centre Stratford: Bassett Lane Stratford London E9 5EN

Southwark Construction Skills Centre: Surrey Quays Road Canada Water London SE16 7PJ

The Earls Court Skills Centre: Empress Place, London SW6 1TT

The Skills Centre West Midlands: 7 Mill Street Aston Birmingham B6 4BS

London Head Office: 20 Brune St, London E1 7NB

Cardiff Office: 7, Cae Gwyrdd Green Meadow Springs Business Park Cardiff CF15 7AB · Phone: 029 2280 8100

The Skills Centre Gravesend: Clifton Marine Parade, Imperial Business Park, Gravesend, Kent DA11 0DY

The Skills Centre Edgware: 158 Station Road, Edgware, HA8 7AW

The Skills Centre Essex: Unit 64, Horndon Industrial Estate, West Horndon, Brentwood CM13 3XD

The Bicester Skills Centre: The EKFB Bicester Skills Centre Gate C23G11A Palmer Avenue, Lower Arncott, Bicester OX25 2LD

The Coventry Skills Centre: Hill Office, Greyfriars Road, Coventry, CV1 3HX

The Skills Centre West Midlands-Smithfield: Gate Opposite Smithfield House, Moat Lane, B5 6BS