Band of Builders launches bursary for young tradespeople

Where the bursary will start

Existing students at Leeds College of Building, Bedford College and South Staffordshire College will be the first group offered the scheme, according to Roofing Today. Eligible applicants can seek help with tools, equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), workwear and other practical items needed for their training and development.

Band of Builders announced the bursary at its annual fundraising ball at Villa Park in Birmingham. Manufacturer and distributor Häfele UK was named as the national partner for the scheme.

The charity projects that the bursary could eventually benefit students at more than 250 UK colleges. That figure describes its potential reach, rather than the number of colleges taking part in the launch.

Why the charity is offering support

Chief executive Gavin Crane said the cost of getting equipped could determine whether a young person was able to take up an opportunity in construction. He said the charity wanted to prevent a lack of money from excluding people who had the ability and commitment to enter the industry.

Band of Builders said its decision followed direct experience of the barriers faced by young learners. It works with Construction Technical Excellence Colleges across the UK and engages with students considering construction careers. The charity argues that providing training places alone will not resolve the sector’s skills challenge.

Crane said Häfele UK’s involvement would help the charity reach more young people. He described the partnership as a way to widen access to practical support for those facing financial barriers at the start of their careers.

The wider training programme

The launch comes as the government aims to train 40,000 construction learners through Construction Technical Excellence Colleges by 2029. Band of Builders said the industry also needed to back measures that make the essentials of training affordable.

The bursary forms part of the charity’s Next Generation agenda. That programme seeks to encourage young people to consider construction and develop the future supply of skilled workers.

Band of Builders also supports SkillBuild. Its established charitable work includes home projects for tradespeople in need, alongside its engagement with colleges and learners.