GRAHAM has launched a targeted skills initiative on its Dyecoats and Brewery Gardens projects to help 20 entry-level site workers progress towards fully skilled status, underlining the company’s commitment to long-term social value and career development.

Both residential schemes are being delivered for Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group. Dyecoats, in Leeds, will deliver up to 1,600 new homes, while Brewery Gardens in Manchester is providing 505 homes, including the first social rent homes built in Manchester city centre in 40 years.

Early-career operatives frequently move between sites without gaining the qualifications needed to advance. Many leave with a Green CSCS Card rather than a Blue Skilled Worker Card, constraining both progression and pay.

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To tackle this, GRAHAM ran on-site skills drop-in sessions at both locations, inviting the full workforce to explore NVQ Level 2 routes. Supply chain partners were also asked to identify and nominate colleagues who would benefit most.

Ten people from each project were enrolled. Of these, 10 have already achieved their NVQ Level 2 — five at Boddingtons and five at Dyecoats — with the period from funding approval to certificates taking only eight weeks.

A central element of the programme is GRAHAM’s decision to remove the funding barrier. While the CITB grant covers £600 of the £800 NVQ Level 2 fee, GRAHAM is meeting the remaining £200 per candidate to make the qualification accessible.

Helen Francis, Skills Solutions Group Director, said: "GRAHAM is demonstrating genuine commitment to workforce development by becoming the first contractor we have partnered with to bridge the CITB grant funding shortfall. This investment removes a significant barrier to upskilling, enabling more operatives to gain nationally recognised NVQ qualifications while supporting long-term competency, safety and career progression across the workforce.

"We are proud to be working alongside GRAHAM in setting a positive and leading example for the wider industry."