Highways Skills Academy for Veterans Opens in Oxfordshire

A new skills academy offering fully funded training programmes for military veterans has opened in Oxfordshire, aiming to support their transition into civilian life while addressing skills shortages in the highways sector.

The Building Heroes Highways Training Academy, based in Drayton, will provide intensive four-week courses designed to equip veterans with the practical skills and qualifications needed to enter the industry.

Participants will receive hands-on training in key areas such as traffic management and emergency first aid, alongside industry-recognised certifications including the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) qualification and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) accreditation.

The initiative is delivered in partnership with military charity Building Heroes and supported by programme sponsor M Group, with each cohort consisting of around eight participants. Those completing the programme will also benefit from guaranteed interview opportunities with M Group, providing a direct pathway into employment.

Charlie Green, Social Value Lead at M Group, highlighted the impact of the programme:

“The moment you get that qualification, you're top of the list to get into our industry.”

For many veterans, the academy offers more than just skills training. Emmanuel Boakye, currently in his third week of the programme, said the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging.

A former infantry soldier with the Yorkshire Regiment, Boakye served for five years, including multiple international tours, before being medically discharged following a knee injury.

“When you are discharged it's like you are in a new world, you are on your own and it's quite challenging,” he said.

“Getting yourself on a course like this stabilises your mental health and you have hopes you're going to get something out of it.”

The academy also reflects a broader commitment to supporting the armed forces community while strengthening the local workforce.

Oxfordshire County Council Leader, Lizz Leffman, 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've served our country while developing the skilled workforce Oxfordshire needs.”

The scheme aims to create long-term employment opportunities for veterans while helping to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the highways and infrastructure sector.