Local Employment Scheme for Construction
Find out about funding for training and qualifications, and how to apply.
About the Local Employment Scheme for Construction
The Local Employment Scheme for Construction supports the delivery of employment and training strategies for major developments in the city and provides funding to support the training and upskilling of construction workers and tradespeople in Brighton & Hove.
Upskilling should enhance knowledge and competence in a current role or occupation, or lead to the achievement of formal qualifications that recognise existing skills and knowledge. For example, the experienced worker route for electricians.
The scheme is funded by Section 106 agreements paid by a developer to mitigate the impact of the development.
Funded training and qualifications
We're inviting expressions of interest from construction workers and tradespeople for the funding of training or qualifications related to the following priorities:
- health, safety and well-being
- business, leadership and management
- transition to Net Zero
- digital technology
- on-site operations
Eligibility criteria
You're eligible to apply if you:
- are self-employed/a sole trader (including tradespeople)
- are an agency worker
- are not currently working in construction but have significant relevant experience and want to upskill to return to the sector
- have the right to work in the UK
- are resident in postcodes BN1, BN2, BN3, or BN41
- are able to utilise practical skills, knowledge and qualifications acquired immediately or within 3 months for returners to the sector
We're not currently funding:
- provision for reskilling into construction (please refer to adult education provision and Skills Bootcamps for this)
- mandatory qualifications to maintain professional registration
If you're unemployed and interested in a career in construction, talk to your job coach about routes to construction or visit Go Construct for further information about careers in construction.
If you are not a sole trader, the CITB provide grants to businesses that employ at least one person even if they do not pay the Construction Levy.
Funding
We can fund courses, qualifications and training that meet the priorities listed below up to £2000.
Payment will be made directly to the provider.
The Scheme Administrators will consider value for money and in some situations may propose alternative options or directly procure provision.
Priorities
Health, safety and wellbeing
Construction can be a dangerous and stressful occupation. In 2023 to 2024 138 workers were killed in work-related accidents. Falls from height are one of the biggest causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries.
1.7 million people suffered a work-related illness. Construction workers are more likely than average to experience work-related stress and other mental health issues.
We encourage training and qualifications which support a healthy and safe environment.
The Health and Safety Executive website has information on rights, responsibilities and legislation to help inform your training needs.
Business, leadership and management
Business, leadership, and management skills have a profound impact on the work environment. Self-employed, sole traders, and construction site supervisors and managers, need multiple skills to manage their businesses and sites effectively.
We encourage training and qualifications that increase competence on and off-site, to lead and manage:
- people
- time
- finance and budgets
- projects
- client relationships
Transition to Net Zero
Training and qualifications that contribute to the decarbonisation of construction and the achievement of Net Zero by 2050, as well as applications from part-qualified electricians who meet the criteria for the experienced worker route are encouraged. This includes:
- energy efficiency
- retrofit
- electric vehicle (EV) charging
For further information about decarbonisation:
- read about Net Zero & Biodiversity – Construction Leadership Council
- read about the UK's plans and progress to reach net zero by 2050
- watch the video Building Skills for Net Zero
Digital technology
Digital technology and digital skills can increase productivity and efficiency, saving time and money. Training and qualifications that facilitate the use of digital skills and digital technology are encouraged.
On-site operations
We can support training and qualifications that enable on-site progression. These include but are not limited to:
- on-site logistics such as:
- traffic marshall
- gates person
- the operation of machinery such as:
- heavy vehicles
- crane and lifting operations
- abrasive wheels
Contact us and apply
If you're ready to submit an Expression of Interest visit our Expression of Interest page. For enquiries or further information send an email to BHLES@brighton-hove.gov.uk.