New highways skills academy for military veterans launches in Oxfordshire
A pioneering skills academy offering fully funded accredited training programmes to the military community will open at the Drayton highways depot in Oxfordshire this February.
Strengthening Pathways into Infrastructure - Introducing the Building Heroes Highways Training Academy
At Building Heroes, every new academy we launch is designed with a clear purpose to create genuine and sustainable pathways from military service into meaningful civilian careers. The introduction of the Building Heroes Highways Training Academy marks a significant and strategic expansion of our national training portfolio. It strengthens our links with the UK infrastructure sector while responding directly to industry skills shortages.
Delivered by Building Heroes and sponsored by Oxfordshire County Council’s principal highways contractor, M Group, this new academy reflects the strength of partnership between a tri service military charity, a Tier One infrastructure organisation and a trusted Building Heroes training provider partner.
A targeted response to industry demand
The highways and infrastructure sector faces a well documented and growing skills gap. At the same time, Service Leavers and veterans bring precisely the attributes the sector needs discipline, teamwork, safety awareness, adaptability and leadership under pressure.
The Highways Training Academy has been developed to bridge this gap. It equips members of the Armed Forces community with industry recognised qualifications, practical skills and direct access to employment opportunities within a national infrastructure organisation that spans over 18 businesses across the UK.
High quality training delivered by a Building Heroes partner
Each four week programme is delivered by C & G Services, the specialist industrial training organisation and approved Building Heroes training provider partner. C & G Services work closely with Building Heroes to ensure training is aligned to real industry need and tailored to support Armed Forces learners transitioning into civilian employment.
Learners will gain
- New Roads and Street Works Act NRSWA or Streetworks certification
- Construction Skills Certification Scheme CSCS accreditation
- Practical hands on training in traffic management
- Emergency first aid and site ready safety skills
Cohorts are intentionally small typically around eight learners allowing for high levels of individual support coaching and pastoral care throughout the programme.
Guaranteed interviews with a Tier One employer
What truly sets this academy apart is the guaranteed interview opportunity for every learner with M Group Highways during the course.
Richard Lovewell, Business Director at M Group Highways, said
“M Group is very proud to be sponsoring the Building Heroes Highways Academy. We recognise the enormous potential of Armed Forces leavers and want to support them as they build meaningful civilian careers. Through this ongoing partnership and investment we hope participants see the value and opportunities that M Group can offer as we develop the vital skills required to maintain our highways.”
As an Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award employer, M Group’s involvement goes far beyond sponsorship. Their investment reflects a long term commitment to Forces friendly employment, social value and the development of a resilient national workforce.
For learners this means
- Clear visibility of real roles and career pathways
- Access to a national employer operating across highways utilities and infrastructure
- Multiple progression routes across a diverse group of businesses
- A supported transition from training into employment
Working in partnership for community impact
The Academy also supports Oxfordshire County Council’s wider commitment to the Armed Forces community and to local skills development.
Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council and its Overall Military Champion, said
“We are committed to supporting our military forces communities across the county and are delighted to be involved in this excellent initiative. This new academy is about creating opportunities for people who have served our country while developing the skilled workforce needed to support our highways and the wider community.”
More than training a pathway to meaningful second careers
The Highways Training Academy is not a standalone course. It is an integral addition to the Building Heroes training ecosystem sitting alongside our wider construction and built environment academies and strengthening our national employer network.
Chris Charles, Chief Executive of Building Heroes Education Foundation, said
“We are pleased to be opening the Building Heroes Highways Training Academy in partnership with M Group and C & G Services. Supporting members of the Armed Forces community into meaningful civilian employment is central to our charitable purpose. This Academy will equip learners with recognised skills and qualifications while supporting Oxfordshire County Council and our partners in developing a skilled and resilient highways workforce that benefits the wider community.”
Every learner benefits from
- Structured transition support
- Forces aware pastoral care
- Employer engagement embedded throughout the programme
- Alignment with long term career progression not just first jobs
This approach reflects our enduring mission to Recruit, Reskill and Redeploy the Armed Forces community in partnership with high quality training providers and Forces friendly employers.
Is this the right next step for you
If you are a Service Leaver veteran or reservist looking for a practical hands on route into civilian employment the Building Heroes Highways Training Academy could be your next move.
✔ Industry recognised qualifications
✔ Small cohort supportive learning environment
✔ Guaranteed interview with a Tier One infrastructure employer
✔ National career pathways across the UK
✔ Training designed specifically for the Armed Forces community
Ready to take the next step
If you are interested in finding out more about the Building Heroes Highways Training Academy and how you can register for the programme, please click the button below. Our team will guide you through the next steps and support you from enquiry through to application and training.
