New Skills Academy at Westcombe Park Opens to Empower Veterans Through Construction Training
This Academy marks our third collaboration with the Vistry Group
We are proud to announce the official opening of our newest Skills Academy at the Westcombe Park development in Heybridge, Essex, in partnership with Vistry Group and training provider Eastern Education Group.
About Vistry Group
The Vistry Group are the UK’s leading developer of affordable mixed-tenure homes. They build their homes responsibly and develop places people love to live, including communities with play parks and orchards through to schools and allotments.
This Academy marks our third collaboration with Vistry, reinforcing our shared commitment to equipping members of the Armed Forces community with vital construction skills and opening pathways into meaningful civilian careers.
About the Academy
The Academy introduced service leavers to trades and roles within the construction industry. The core training programme is a Level 1 City and Guilds Diploma in Basic Construction, with a Level 1 Health and Safety Award and Green CSCS Card. This training offers a range of core constructions skills for the learner to develop over a five-week programme, allowing them to receive an introduction to a range of trades, so that they can either develop as an 'all-rounder' or select a particular skill they would wish to specialise in post programme. Vistry also works with its contractors and supply chains on site to provide further upskilling opportunities.
The Launch
The Skills Academy officially opened its doors on Wednesday 14th May 2025, with an inspiring event attended by Vistry Group, Building Heroes, training partner Eastern Education Group, and key community stakeholders including Essex Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability. Attendees were treated to a tour of the Academy and a first-hand look at our learners in action. The event also featured a powerful showcase of how our training integrates with real construction timelines, demonstrating the unique value our embedded academies bring to both veterans and the industry.
Speaking at the event, Peter Willis, Managing Director, Vistry Eastern Counties said: “Our Building Heroes Skills Academies are a catalyst for transformation for learners across the military community to discover how their skills can be effectively applied across a diverse range of roles in construction. Facilities like this play a vital role in providing skills and training opportunities for service leavers while helping to alleviate the chronic skills-shortage in the construction industry."
Essex Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “The Westcombe Park Skills Academy is more than just a training hub - it’s a bridge to opportunity. It embodies the kind of inclusive, practical, and locally driven skills provision we champion atEssex County Council. I’m proud to support a facility that helps build not just homes, but futures.”
Building Heroes Chief Executive, Chris Charles, said: "The opening of our new Heybridge Skills Academy is more than just a new location — it’s a renewed promise to the Armed Forces community here in the East of England. Our long-standing partnership with Vistry Group is a shining example of what can be achieved when businesses and the third sector come together for good. And with the continued dedication of Eastern Education Group’s fantastic training team, we’re changing lives — one skill, one opportunity, one veteran at a time."
Located on the outskirts of Heybridge next to the historic town of Maldon, Vistry’s Westcombe Park development is spread over 418 acres and will deliver 1,035 high quality new homes – of which 30% will be affordable - alongside a range of new community facilities and open green space. Additionally, new parks, play areas, sports pitches and a pavilion will be created, as well as allotments and a new relief road. Land has also been set aside for a potential new primary school and nursery to be delivered by Essex County Council.
Making a Difference
We operate ten Skills Training Academies across England and have proudly graduated over 3,600 learners since our founding. As of the end of 2024, throughout the charity we are tracking a nearly 50% conversion rate from training into employment, self-employment, or further education in the sector.
