Bath College has announced Beard Construction as a new Strategic Partner for its Construction and Building Services Real Skills Hub, creating new opportunities for around 350 learners and apprentices each year.
The partnership aims to give students clearer routes into the local construction industry by combining classroom learning with commercial experience, industry placements and direct contact with employers.
From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, Beard will provide site visits, workshops and masterclasses, as well as opportunities for learners to take part in practical construction projects and placements. Bath College and Beard will also work together to review course content in response to skills gaps and employment needs across the West of England.
With more than a century of construction experience, Beard will give learners the chance to hear directly from industry professionals about different construction careers, the skills required for particular roles and expectations in the workplace.
Sam Kenny, Assistant Principal at Bath College, said, “We are pleased to welcome Beard as a Strategic Partner for construction and building services. Beard has an outstanding reputation for innovation and investing in people, making it an ideal partner in developing the next generation of construction professionals.
“This partnership gives learners access to invaluable industry insight and meaningful, real-world opportunities to engage with employers. By working closely with Beard, our curriculum aligns with industry needs and creates clear progression routes into apprenticeships, further study and rewarding careers within the sector.”
Neil Sherreard, Deputy Chairman at Beard, said the partnership would help young people understand the variety of opportunities available within construction.
“We look forward to sharing over a century of construction experience with learners and helping them see how the knowledge they develop in the classroom and workshops will translate into the workplace,” he said.
“By creating an entry point and skills pathway for learners, this initiative will shape the highly skilled professionals of tomorrow in an industry with many skills gaps.”
The relationship will extend beyond construction training, with Beard also becoming principal kit sponsor for Bath College Sport Academy’s men’s and women’s football teams and men’s rugby team.
Ian Holtby, Head of Commercial Services at Bath College, said, “This demonstrates Beard’s support for young people through its partnership with Bath College, promoting employability skills, wellbeing, sport and leadership in both educational and sporting settings.”
The Real Skills Hub initiative is designed to address local skills shortages, increase career opportunities and create clearer routes into education, training and employment.
Beard is expected to be the first of a number of businesses from different industries to become Real Skills Hub partners, with Bath College planning to announce further partnerships and activities as the programme develops.
