UK’s first Construction Disability Inclusion Academy to be launched by Sacyr UK

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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A disability-focused construction training academy is set to launch at one of Wales’ largest healthcare infrastructure projects, aiming to open new career pathways into the industry for people currently out of work due to disability.

The UK’s first Construction Disability Inclusion Academy will be delivered at the new Velindre Cancer Centre project by Sacyr UK, the main contractor building the facility, in partnership with National Diversity Employment and Advisory Service (NDEAS).

The initiative will introduce up to 12 participants to the fundamentals of construction through a two-week programme designed specifically for people who have experienced long-term unemployment due to disability.

The training will provide practical insight into the sector, alongside guidance on career pathways and employment opportunities.

At least one trainee will be offered a job with Sacyr UK on completion of the course, working on the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC), which is scheduled to open in spring 2027.

The nVCC is expected to be nearly twice the size of the existing cancer centre and will house one of the largest radiotherapy units in the UK, with expanded diagnostic capabilities and increased access to research, innovation and training.

Sacyr UK has invested in accessibility measures on site, including installing a lift providing access to all areas of the build to ensure people of all abilities can work there.

Katie Hathaway, Stakeholder Engagement and Community Benefits Manager at Sacyr UK, said: “Social value is a key part of our project work here at the new Velindre Cancer Centre and we are so pleased to be opening the doors to the first cohort of this Academy.

“We have a serious shortage of skills in the construction industry and so excluding great swathes of the population due to a disability just doesn’t make sense to us.

“That’s why we invested in the accessible lift to ensure that anyone who works on site can get access to all areas.”

Katie added: “We have worked in close partnership with Dan and the NDEAS team to co-design and deliver these Academies, ensuring they are inclusive, accessible, and outcome focused.

“With the support of Velindre University NHS Trust and Welsh Government, this collaboration has enabled us to develop programmes that create meaningful and sustainable employment pathways for people with disabilities. We are extremely proud to be leading this important initiative.

“What is also great is that a lot of our supply chain and sub-contractors are also keen to learn more, so hopefully there will be lots of employment opportunities for our Academy trainees.”

Dan Biddle of NDEAS said: “This academy is unique and provides an amazing opportunity for those who may have felt that a career in construction was beyond their reach.

“The commitment from Sacyr UK to push this forward means we can open up the industry to a wider audience. I wish this would have been around when I started my construction career 30 years ago.”

The Construction Disability Inclusion Academy is the first in a series of trainee schemes planned for the nVCC project aimed at supporting people facing barriers to employment.

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