Fabrication academy will protect skilled labour pipeline 

Aiming to develop a long-term pipeline of skilled fabricators, while also helping the company’s succession planning as experienced members of its workforce approach retirement, Billington Structures has officially launched the Billington Fabrication Academy. 

Working with training provider Betterweld, the Academy has been established to create a structured route into steelwork fabrication. 

The first intake consists of 15 apprentices who will initially undertake a 12-month programme combining academic learning with workplace training. Apprentices will spend four days each week at college and one day within the Billington business.  

This approach enables them to apply their learning in a working environment while developing an understanding of the processes, skills and standards required within steelwork fabrication and the wider construction industry.  

Before transitioning fully into the workplace, apprentices will complete mandatory safety and workplace training, alongside recognised BS EN ISO 9606 welder qualifications, ensuring they have the skills and competencies required to progress safely into the live production environment.  

Billington Structures Managing Director Dan Duffield, said: Managing Director, said: “The opening of our training academy represents a key milestone in our long-term commitment to addressing the growing skills gap within our industry.” 

Billington Structures Production Director Jon Wright, added: “This is more than a training facility; it’s an investment in our people and the future of Billington, giving us a structured approach to developing the skilled fabricators our growing business requires in the years ahead.”