Published 16/09/25
Championing construction careers: wienerberger joins forces with housebuilders
As thousands of school leavers consider their next steps, wienerberger is proud to be part of a bold new initiative reshaping how young people enter the construction industry. The Partner a College programme, developed by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), officially launches this month with a two-year pilot aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment.
With just 40% of construction students in Further Education currently entering the sector, the programme seeks to reverse this trend by embedding real-world industry experience into the classroom. Ten colleges across England—including Preston College, Oaklands College, and York College—will collaborate with home builders and suppliers to deliver hands-on training, mentorship, and site-based learning.
wienerberger joins a diverse group of housebuilding partners including Barratt, Redrow, Keepmoat, Anwyl Homes, and Taylor Wimpey, united by a shared goal: to equip students with the practical, job-ready skills needed to thrive on modern building sites.
The programme is a key pillar of HBF’s newly launched Home Building Sector Skills Plan, which outlines a coordinated approach to developing a more resilient and inclusive workforce capable of delivering 1.5 million homes during this parliamentary term.
Luke Gale, Channel Marketing Manager – Housing, wienerberger
“We’re excited to be joining the Home Builders Federation’s Partner a College programme, supporting apprentices across a range of different construction disciplines. As a leading building materials manufacturer of wall, roof, heating, and water solutions, we believe it’s our responsibility to invest in the next generation of talent, and we look forward to working with colleges to help address the national skills shortage and support housebuilders build the homes of tomorrow”.
Andy George, Director of Skills and Attraction at Home Builders Federation
“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
“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.”
wienerberger’s participation reflects our broader commitment to social impact and workforce development, reinforcing our role not just as a supplier but as a strategic partner in building for what’s next—actively shaping the future of construction.
To learn more about the Partner a College programme, visit the HBF website.
