We have officially launched several new construction academies

Employer partners officially open the CUBE Employer Wall

We are proud to have invited a range of employer partners to our CUBE Employer Partnership Event, to mark the launch of several new employer-led academies.

The event, at the College’s CUBE Construction Campus on Honeywell Lane, was a celebratory showcase of partnership working. It featured tours of newly opened academy classrooms with students actively learning, and the official unveiling of the Employer Wall – a display which features the logos of key partner organisations, in the entrance foyer to the CUBE.

The academy scheme – recently recognised as a finalist in the AoC Beacon Awards 2025 – sees employer partners from across sectors take part in co-design of curriculum, workshops and guest speaker sessions, with uniquely branded classrooms. The model gives mutual benefit to businesses and students, bridging the gap between education and work.

Attending partners included representatives from Doyle Security, Berneslai Homes, ESH Construction, OB1, and Sapphire Utility Solutions, alongside Barnsley College Principal and CEO David Akeroyd, all gathering to support the College’s innovative collaboration with industry. A keynote speech on social value in education was delivered by Megan Roberts, Social Value Manager at ESH Construction.

David Akeroyd, Principal and CEO of Barnsley College, said: “It’s really important to us at Barnsley College that we engage with real businesses, and we’re proud of the work we do around our academies which provides a clear line-of-sight for students into their chosen industry.

“It’s great walking around this campus and seeing a number of businesses who actively want to engage with our students.

“The number of our students who are getting access to practical experience, because of the partnerships we have, is inspiring. The opportunity to hear from industry specialists makes a difference, and the chance to go out to our partners on work placements and apprenticeships is truly transformational.

“Our academies programme is built around a cultural cohesion, and a real value that we want to give to young people and adults who want to learn, add value and make transformations to our community, to businesses, for the future of society.”

Barnsley College’s focus on employer-led, future-focused training continues next month with the upcoming launch of its Clean Energy Training Centre, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to green skills development.

Set to open in January 2026, the Clean Energy Training Centre is the first of its kind in South Yorkshire and the largest nationally, delivering cutting-edge training in low-carbon technologies, sustainability and retrofit skills.