The Operator Skills Hub was established in 2021 and supported by the UK Government’s Skills Bootcamp initiative.

The purpose-built facility in Birmingham offers innovative training and apprenticeship schemes in plant operation and aims to attract new talent to the sector while upskilling existing operators.

The success of the scheme comes as fears grow that the government may move funding from employer-led initiatives and place more power in the hands of local authorities.

The Operator Skills hub has hit the 1000 learner mark with an outstanding 81% outcome rate and 91% course achievement rate demonstrating the power of employer led skills initiatives.

Balfour Beatty Flannery’s 1,000th student, Abigail Cleverley, achieved the nationally recognised accreditation through the Skills Bootcamp initiative to operate articulated dumper trucks and rollers. She has since secured a role at Balfour Beatty VINCI – HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands.

Cleverley said: “Completing my training at the Operator Skills Hub has been an incredible experience. The hands-on approach and state-of-the-art equipment gave me the confidence and skills I need to succeed in this industry now and in the future.

“Thanks to the training, I’ve not only gained a nationally recognised qualification but also secured a role with Balfour Beatty VINCI on HS2 – one of the most exciting infrastructure projects in the UK. I can’t wait to be part of such a transformative scheme and to contribute to building the UK’s future infrastructure.”

Cleverley received her certificate from Andy Ormerod, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Asset & Technology Solutions and Patrick Flannery, Managing Director of Flannery Plant Hire.

Flannery said: “With the success of our skills bootcamps and the positive effect it has and for individuals and employers across the sector we look forward to constructively working with the DfE and government stakeholders to demonstrate the positive effect of employer led skills interventions”.

Ormerod added: “I’m incredibly proud of the work we’re doing here in partnership with Flannery. Together, we’re opening doors to meaningful careers for people from all backgrounds—many of whom might never have seen construction and infrastructure as an exciting career path until they joined us.”