West Midlands Mayor Opens New Construction Skills Centre Supporting Coventry Regeneration
Andy HIll with the first cohort at The Skills Centre at City Centre South in Coventry
A new construction skills and training centre has officially opened in Coventry, aiming to provide local residents with pathways into construction careers as part of the ongoing City Centre South regeneration project. The Skills Centre was inaugurated on 18 September, with Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, attending the opening ceremony.
Located within the City Centre South development, the centre offers training and employment opportunities, particularly targeting young people and those seeking to develop new skills in the construction sector. The project is a collaboration between The Hill Group, Homes England, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and Coventry City Council, with The Hill Group delivering the regeneration that will transform a significant portion of Coventry’s city centre into a new residential and commercial district.
Developed by the WMCA alongside one of the UK’s leading construction training providers, The Skills Centre and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the facility provides free access to industry-leading training programmes, apprenticeships, and upskilling for existing construction workers. Funding is provided by the WMCA, while CITB supports the delivery through its training organisation.
During the official opening, Mayor Parker cut the ribbon and met the first group of learners who completed the centre’s initial four-week construction programme. These students earned their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards, qualifying them to work on construction sites and take their first steps into employment within the industry.
Andy Hill OBE, founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, was present with the initial cohort of students at the centre. Once fully operational, the Skills Centre will offer a broad range of training options, from entry-level courses to NVQ Level 7 qualifications, supporting career development across various construction and built environment disciplines.
In Autumn 2025, the Mayor announced a £75 million skills package as part of the WMCA’s Construction Skills Action Plan. This investment aims to train over 12,000 people in the next three years to address the regional shortage of skilled construction workers in trades such as bricklaying, engineering, design, plastering, and painting. The funding responds to increasing demand linked to plans for 12,200 new homes annually across the region, a £2.4 billion transport infrastructure programme, major developments like the East Birmingham Sports Quarter, and a £160 million retrofit project to improve home energy efficiency.
Mayor Parker stated: “The West Midlands is leading the way in creating opportunities for local people to secure skilled, sustainable careers in construction while helping to deliver the homes, infrastructure and regeneration projects that our communities need and which are integral to my Growth Plan. This centre shows what can be achieved when industry and public sector partners work together with a shared purpose. I’ve enjoyed meeting the first cohort of learners who have completed their training and are now ready to start work in the industry thanks to the truly ‘hands-on’ experience they’ve gained here.”
Andy Hill added: “The Hill Group is committed to leaving a positive legacy in every community where we work. City Centre South represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform this part of Coventry, and we want local people to share in the benefits that investment will bring. The Skills Centre will help create a pipeline of skilled workers for the construction sector while opening doors for people who may never have previously considered a career in our industry.”
Coventry City Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, Councillor Lynnette Kelly, commented: “City Centre South will transform the heart of Coventry, creating new homes, jobs and opportunities for future generations. This new Skills Centre ensures local people can play a direct role in delivering that transformation. By providing access to training, qualifications and employment opportunities, we’re helping residents develop the skills needed for successful careers in construction and the wider built environment. We want the benefits of regeneration to be felt by Coventry people, and it’s excellent to see the first learners already taking advantage of these opportunities.”
Tim Balcon, Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Training Board, said: “Addressing the construction industry’s skills needs requires strong partnerships and long-term commitment. Through our support for The Skills Centre and our collaboration with the West Midlands Combined Authority, we are helping to create a sustainable talent pipeline that will benefit employers, learners and communities across the region. The Memorandum of Understanding signed today is an important step towards establishing a National Skills Academy for Construction and ensuring the workforce is ready to meet future demand.”
Jon Howlin, Chief Executive of The Skills Centre, added: “Designed in partnership with employers across the UK, our programmes have a strong track record of helping people gain the skills, qualifications and confidence needed to build successful careers in construction, and we are delighted to bring that experience to Coventry. Working closely with the Department for Work & Pensions, NOCN and Sunbelt Rentals, this centre will create real opportunities for local people to access a wide range of career pathways, from skilled trades and technical roles through to supervisory and management positions, ensuring they can benefit from the long-term investment and regeneration taking place across the city.”
Upon completion, City Centre South will deliver up to 1,575 new homes, ranging from studio to three-bedroom apartments designed to accommodate a diverse community. The first phase will include 991 homes, 8,000 square metres of commercial space for retail, hospitality, and businesses, as well as 17,000 square metres of public open space.
