Breaking into the construction industry requires more than just enthusiasm, it takes accredited qualifications, safety awareness, and hands-on site familiarity. Over two intensive weeks at Therfield School in Leatherhead, MITSkills delivered a comprehensive, fully funded Construction Pre-Employment Training Programme designed to take young learners from complete beginners to site-ready candidates.
Here is a look back at the journey, the qualifications gained, and how partnership-led training creates immediate career pathways.
Week 1: Core Fundamentals and Live Industry Exposure
The programme opened with industry safety standards, building material fundamentals, and essential workplace behaviours, supported by guest speakers from Kier and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
To bridge theory and practice immediately, learners took part in a guided visit to Taylor Wimpey’s Sondes Meadows development. Accompanied by local community stakeholders, students stepped onto an active commercial site to see modern construction management, logistics, and trade coordination firsthand.
Back at the training hub, the rest of the week focused on practical trade foundations:
- Safe operation of hand and power tools.
- Material measurement and industry terminology.
- Construction logistics, vehicle management, and preparatory study for the Level 1 Health and Safety award.
Week 2: Advanced Safety, Team Dynamics, and Progression
Week two shifted focus toward mandatory site certifications. Learners completed rigorous, standalone qualification modules in Emergency First Aid at Work and Fire Warden Training, equipping them with immediate, value-adding capabilities for any prospective employer.
Because teamwork and clear communication are critical to maintaining safety on-site, midweek training included a dedicated sports and team-building afternoon at the Therfield School Sports Hall. Learners worked through collaborative physical challenges to reinforce trust, coordination, and practical problem-solving under pressure.
The final two days were dedicated to long-term career outcomes:
- CSCS Accreditation: Learners finalised preparation and bookings for their official CSCS Card testing.
- Employability Support: Clarion Futures delivered 1-on-1 CV building and interview coaching.
- Career Signposting: Dedicated guidance sessions mapped out routes into local trade apprenticeships and further technical college courses.
The fortnight culminated in a graduation awards event, where learners celebrated completing their qualifications alongside tutors, mentors, and local partners.
Building Sustainable Local Pathways
Programmes like this rely on strong collaboration across education, industry, and community organisations. We would like to thank Therfield School, Kier Construction, Taylor Wimpey, Clarion Futures, KBR, St John’s School, Rotary, and CITB for investing in local talent and helping build practical pathways into work.
If you are an employer looking to recruit motivated apprentices, or an aspiring builder ready to gain your certifications, explore our latest courses.