17TH MAR 2026
GC and Barnwood Construction partner to deliver Level 4 Construction Management apprenticeships
Gloucestershire College (GC) and Barnwood Construction have formally signed a new strategic partnership that will see Barnwood’s emerging construction managers train through the College’s Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor/Construction Management Apprenticeship.
The programme uniquely integrates the Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) / HNC in Construction and the Built Environment, awarded by Pearson, providing apprentices with both a nationally recognised higher-level technical qualification and the practical skills required in modern construction management.
Incorporating the HTQ/HNC into the apprenticeship offers significant benefits, including
- Enhanced technical depth: Apprentices gain a recognised Level 4 qualification aligned to industry standards, giving them a stronger theoretical foundation to complement on‑site learning.
- Clear progression routes: The HTQ/HNC forms a pathway to higher-level study such as HNDs or full degrees in construction management or the built environment.
- Stronger employability: HTQs are designed with employers and endorsed by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, ensuring the curriculum directly meets sector needs.
- Improved capability on site: Learners acquire the analytical, technical and supervisory skills needed to manage health and safety, quality, environmental responsibilities and project coordination.
- A more attractive development route for employers: Combining apprenticeship funding with a higher technical qualification provides excellent value for money while accelerating the development of future site supervisors and managers.
- Flexible and affordable employer funding: Levy‑paying employers can fully fund the programme through their Apprenticeship Levy, while SMEs contribute only 5% of the training cost, making this a cost‑effective route to developing higher‑level talent.
Launching from September, the partnership strengthens both organisations’ commitment to supporting high-quality professional pathways for the region’s construction workforce. Apprentices will benefit from GC’s industry-standard training facilities, expert lecturers, and a curriculum shaped with employers to meet current and future sector needs.
Matthew Burgess, Principal and Chief Executive of Gloucestershire College, said:
“We are delighted to partner with Barnwood Construction to support the next generation of construction leaders. Barnwood has a long-standing reputation for quality and craftsmanship in our region, and this partnership reflects a shared commitment to developing the higher-level technical skills that Gloucestershire’s economy needs. Integrating the HTQ/HNC within the apprenticeship gives learners a strong academic foundation alongside practical, hands-on experience – the ideal combination for modern construction management.”
Simon Carey, CEO of Barnwood Construction, said:
“People are at the heart of our business, and we are committed to creating clear, supported progression routes for our team. Working with Gloucestershire College gives us access to outstanding local training with the flexibility, standards and relevance we need. The Level 4 programme and integrated HTQ/HNC will give our apprentices the confidence, competence and technical capability to take on responsibility on site and grow their careers with us. We’re proud to invest in the future of our workforce and the wider sector.”
The collaboration forms part of a wider effort across Gloucestershire to expand high-quality technical education and create a strong skills pipeline for local employers. Barnwood apprentices will begin their programmes later this year.
If you would like to know more about this course, please contact Gloucestershire College.
employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk
0345 1552020
