New Highways Skills Academy Launches to Support Military Veterans

A new fully-funded training academy for military veterans will open in February at the Drayton highways depot in Oxfordshire.

The Building Heroes Highways Training Academy is sponsored by M Group, Oxfordshire County Council’s principal highways contractor, and delivered in partnership with the military charity Building Heroes. Training will be provided by C&G Services.

The academy is designed to help service leavers transition to civilian life while equipping them with the skills needed to maintain the region’s road network.

Participants in the four-week programme will gain industry-recognised qualifications, including the New Roads and Street Works Act certification and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) accreditation. They will also receive practical training in traffic management, emergency first aid, and other key highways skills.

Each cohort, typically around eight participants, will have the chance to attend interviews with M Group Highways, providing a direct route into employment.

Richard Lovewell, business director at M Group Highways, said:"We’re proud to sponsor the Building Heroes Highways Academy. Armed forces leavers bring enormous potential, and this partnership helps them build meaningful civilian careers while developing the vital skills our highways need."

Chris Charles, chief executive at Building Heroes Education Foundation, added:"This academy equips learners with recognised skills and qualifications, supporting veterans into employment while helping Oxfordshire County Council and its partners develop a skilled, resilient highways workforce for the wider community."