Lioncourt Homes strengthens partnership with Gloucestershire College to support future construction talent

Award-winning homebuilder Lioncourt Homes has reinforced its ongoing commitment to nurture the next generation of construction professionals through its continued collaboration with Gloucestershire College.

As part of the partnership, Lioncourt Homes recently welcomed three groups of multi-trade students to their Hempsted development Priory Meadows, offering a first-hand insight into the day-to-day operations of a live construction environment.

Led by Area Build Manager Scott Whitehouse and Site Manager George Cole, the visits provided students with the opportunity to explore active build stages, understand site management processes and see how their classroom learning translates into real-world application.

Students were encouraged to ask questions and engage directly with the site team, gaining valuable knowledge around quality standards, health and safety requirements and the coordination required to deliver high-quality homes.

Thereafter, Scott Whitehouse and George Cole attended Gloucestershire College to assess and provide feedback on students’ practical work, which included carpentry, bricklaying, plastering, painting and plumbing.

Drawing on their experience within live development settings, they offered guidance on best practice techniques, as well as one-to-one conversations with students about their career ambitions, providing tailored advice and insight into the pathways available within the housebuilding sector.

Lioncourt Homes’ support for Gloucestershire College extends beyond site tours and assessments. The business has previously facilitated work experience placements for multi-trade students, including James Probert, who went on to secure an apprenticeship role after using his reference from Lioncourt Homes to support his application.

In addition, Lioncourt Homes has supported extended industry placements, providing hundreds of hours of on-site experience to help students meet qualification requirements and gain meaningful exposure to professional construction environments.

Scott Whitehouse, Area Build Manager at Lioncourt Homes, said: “Providing students with access to live sites and taking the time to review their practical work allows us to share the standards, techniques and attention to detail that define our developments.

“Encouraging young people to explore the wide range of careers available within construction is essential to the future of our industry, and we’re committed to continuing our support.”

A representative from Gloucestershire College said: “This represents an excellent opportunity for us to strengthen our collaboration with Lioncourt Homes and work more closely together.

“The on-site experience, combined with the workshop environment, enables our learners (who are the future of the construction industry) to gain a clear understanding of how our curriculum aligns with current industry practices. Our partnership with Lioncourt plays a key role in ensuring this alignment.

“It was also highly beneficial for Lioncourt to visit our workshop and observe first-hand that the training we provide is up to date, industry-relevant, and effectively preparing learners for successful careers in this field.”

Councillor Sarah Sawyer, Cabinet Member for Planning at Gloucester City Council, said: “This is a great example of how we’re working with developers to strengthen our local skills economy. We know there aren’t enough skilled workers in this sector, and it’s slowing down the construction of the homes we need.

“The council has a range of policies to encourage developers to employ more local people and provide training and work experience opportunities for young people, ensuring our community benefits from the construction of new sites.”

Lioncourt Homes recently secured a five-star customer satisfaction rating from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) for the 12th consecutive year, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to quality, sustainability and investment in people across the communities in which it builds.

For more information on Lioncourt Homes and their developments in Gloucestershire, please visit www.lioncourthomes.com.