Last updated: 9 Jul 2026
About this toolkit
Whether you are a supplier, contractor or owner of a small home builder, this toolkit sets out practical guidance on how you can work with local training providers to improve outcomes for students on construction courses.
It has been developed by the Home Builders Federation in partnership with our members and partners, and funded by CITB as part of the Home Building Sector Skills Plan. This is a beta version of the Partner a College digital toolkit. It is an initial attempt at bringing together knowledge and experience based on our pilot programme.
However, we know there is more to learn and share, and welcome your help identifying gaps.
You can support the development of this toolkit by:
- Notifying us of any errors found on page
- Highlighting challenges
- Sharing examples of resources you have developed
- Sharing your experiences
- Providing case studies
Please send your feedback to our Industry Attraction and Skills team at skills@hbf.co.uk.
Build a Stronger Workforce: Partner with FE Colleges
As skills shortages continue to challenge the home building sector, partnering with Further Education (FE) colleges gives employers a powerful route into securing future talent, shaping training to meeting real world needs, and strengthen business performance.
Why should employers engage further education colleges?
Building relationships with Further Education (FE) colleges provides employers with direct access to the future workforce, helping you to build a reliable talent pipeline.
Engaging early enables employers to influence the skills being taught, supporting colleges to align their curriculum with the standards, technologies, and real-world practices used on today’s home building sites.
Additionally, partnering with FE colleges can strengthen your employer brand by raising your profile among young people, parents, educators, and the wider community.
How can employers work with further education colleges?
There are many ways to support and engage colleges, ranging from low-effort activities to longer-term partnerships. You can help inspire and attract talent by running insight sessions for students and parents, or by providing careers materials and employer showcases. Offering real-world experience is another valuable route, through apprenticeships and T Level placements, as well as site visits, work experience, and job shadowing opportunities.
You can also play a role in shaping training and curriculum by contributing to advisory boards or curriculum panels, delivering guest lectures, workshops, and demonstrations, and supporting tutor CPD. Finally, practical support—such as lending or donating tools, materials, or software, and sharing industry updates on new methods, regulations, or technologies—can make a meaningful difference.
I want to...
Offering a student site visit
This activity is for: National and regional home builders
- Establishing the purpose of the visit
- Coordinating planning with schools and colleges
- Meeting safety and compliance requirements
- Preparing students before arrival
- Delivering the on-site experience
- Ensuring emergency preparedness
- Wrapping up and extending the learning
Offering work experience
This activity is for: National and regional home builders, contractor and suppliers
- Coordinating planning with schools and colleges
- Meeting safety and compliance requirements
- Preparing students before arrival
- Delivering the on-site Experience
- Ensuring emergency preparedness
- Wrapping up and extending the learning
Teaching or assessing
This activity is best suited to: Home builders and contractors
- Why get involved
- Benefits for your business
- Who can support students
- Case study
- How to get involved
- Contacting a college
- Next steps and support