Building Careers in Construction: Training and Development at Caxton Group
The success of our business is built on the skills, dedication and expertise of our people. As the construction industry continues to evolve, investing in training and professional development has never been more important. From apprentices taking their first steps into construction to experienced professionals looking to develop their careers, we’re committed to creating opportunities for people to learn, progress and succeed.
Our approach to training and development was recently recognised at the Construction News Specialists Awards 2026, where Caxton Group proudly won the Training Excellence Award. This national recognition reflects our ongoing investment in our workforce, including the establishment of Caxton Academy, our structured apprenticeship programmes and our commitment to developing skills and competence across every level of the business.
With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Caxton Group comprises four specialist businesses: Caxton Builders, Caxton Façades, Caxton Academy and Stofix UK. Together, we provide opportunities across a wide range of construction careers, from skilled trades and site management to design, commercial management, technical roles and senior leadership.
Underpinning everything we do are our four core values: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Passion. These values shape how we work with our clients, support our colleagues and develop the people who will help drive our business forward.
Developing the Next Generation Through Caxton Academy
Investing in construction apprenticeships
The future of the construction industry depends on attracting, training and retaining the next generation of skilled construction professionals. With the sector facing ongoing skills shortages and an ageing workforce, construction apprenticeships have an increasingly important role to play in developing the talent needed for the future.
At Caxton Group, we’re taking an active approach to addressing this challenge through Caxton Academy, established in February 2025.
Developed in partnership with training provider Salutem, the Academy offers structured apprenticeship pathways in bricklaying combining technical learning with practical experience and personal development. Our aim is to give apprentices more than a qualification. We want to equip them with the knowledge, confidence, practical skills and professional behaviours needed to build successful, long-term careers in construction.
Caxton Academy practical lessons
A different approach to apprenticeship training
One of the defining features of Caxton Academy is its approach to learning. Rather than relying solely on traditional day-release training, apprentices undertake intensive six-week training blocks, allowing them to develop their skills through one to one support and practical application.
The programme is aligned with the Level 2 Bricklayer Apprenticeship Standard, with additional training developed by Caxton and Salutem to enhance the learning experience.
Alongside practical bricklaying skills, apprentices develop knowledge and experience in:
- Health and safety and safe working practices
- Teamwork and communication
- Quality standards and workmanship
- Employability and professional behaviours
- Personal development and confidence
- Maths and English
The Academy also offers an optional third development year, providing further opportunities for apprentices to strengthen their skills and prepare for long-term employment on site. This combination of structured training, mentoring and practical experience helps apprentices develop the competence and confidence required to progress into skilled roles.
Elizabeth Allingham – Winner of ABC’s Apprentice of the Year 2025
Recognising apprenticeship success
Since its establishment, Caxton Academy has made significant progress in developing new talent. 15 apprentices have been trained and employed by Caxton Group, we have seen zero apprentice withdrawals reported during the award assessment period. We have also seen recognition for individual apprentices, including winners of the Association of Brickwork Contractors’ Apprentice of the Year awards in 2024 – Alastair Corbett, and and 2025 – Elizabeth Allingham.
The Academy also works with schools, local authorities, contractors and industry partners to promote construction careers, provide work experience opportunities and help more people understand the pathways available within the industry.
Construction News Specialists Awards – Winner of Training Excellence 2026
Training and Career Development Across Caxton Group
Supporting professional development at every level
While apprenticeships are an important part of our investment in people, our commitment to training extends across the entire Group. Construction is an industry where standards, technologies, regulations and working practices continue to evolve. Maintaining competence requires ongoing development, practical experience and a willingness to learn.
That’s why we support training and professional development across a wide range of roles, from our site teams and supervisors to technical specialists, managers and senior leaders. Our approach combines formal qualifications, technical training, mentoring, practical experience and ongoing competency assessments.
Caxton Academy Apprentices Meet Richard Parker, the Mayor of West Midlands at Glasswater Locks.
Building technical skills and competence
Competence is central to delivering safe, high-quality construction projects. It brings together knowledge, skills, experience, training, professional behaviours and the ability to apply them effectively in the workplace. Competence on site is critical to maintaining Caxton Group’s reputation for quality and reliability. This is achieved through pre-site competency checks to ensure operatives meet project requirements, ongoing supervision with regular quality checks, and continuous feedback and mentorship for apprentices and bricklayers. This is supported by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001-aligned systems and FIRAS accreditation, demonstrating a strong commitment to quality, compliance and best practice.
Why investing in competence matters
Training is not simply about meeting compliance requirements. It’s an investment in the long-term success of our people and our business. A knowledgeable, competent and motivated workforce supports better decision-making, stronger teamwork, improved safety and consistently high-quality workmanship.
Caxton Builders demonstrated the positive impact of this approach, including rework levels below 1%, reduced snagging at Practical Completion and 100% of staff trained in quality behaviours. These results demonstrate how investing in people supports the standards of delivery that our clients expect.
Ivan Sharpe Apprenticeship Manager and Brandon Bates, Bricklayer Apprentice.
Our investment in training includes:
Technical and professional qualifications
- Bricklaying and trade NVQs
- Site management and supervisory NVQs
- Passive fire protection qualifications
- Specialist technical and construction training
Health, safety and compliance
- Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
- Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
- PASMA and IPAF training
- Building Safety Act awareness
- Mental Health First Aider training
- Ongoing compliance and refresher training
Sustainability and environmental development
- Carbon Literacy Training
- Sustainability Skills for Managers
- Environmental management training
- Understanding carbon emissions and sustainable construction practices
These programmes help our people develop their expertise, adapt to changing industry requirements and maintain the standards expected across our projects.
Creating opportunities for career progression
Career progression can take many forms, from an apprentice developing into a skilled tradesperson to a site supervisor moving into management or an experienced professional broadening their technical and leadership responsibilities.
Caxton Facades Technical Manager, Jacob Knowles, is one example of career development within our group. His progression demonstrates the opportunities available for people who are committed to developing their skills, gaining experience and taking on new responsibilities. For us, investing in our people means recognising potential, supporting ambition and creating an environment where individuals can continue to grow.
Lizzy Allingham began her career as an apprentice bricklayer through Caxton Academy, where she quickly established herself as a talented individual with a genuine passion for the construction industry. As her career progressed and Lizzy gained her qualifications in bricklaying, she began exploring different pathways within the business and identified an opportunity to broaden her knowledge by moving into Caxton Builders’ pre-construction team as a Trainee Estimator. With the support of her team, she embraced the challenge and embarked on a new career path. Read more about Lizzy’s journey so far.
(L-R) Jacob Knowles pictured with Maks Machczynski, Apprentice Façades Technician.
Why choose a career in construction?
Construction offers a diverse range of career opportunities, combining practical skills, technical expertise, problem-solving, teamwork and leadership. While traditional trades such as bricklaying remain essential, modern construction also requires expertise in design, digital technology, project management, commercial management, quality, sustainability and building safety.
Alex Porter’s advice for building a successful career in construction
Alex Porter, Operations Manager at Caxton Group, believes that one of the most important qualities for anyone entering the industry is a willingness to keep learning. Alex shares his advice for those starting or progressing their careers.
1.Focus on learning and developing your skills
Early in your career, prioritise building knowledge, gaining practical experience and developing a strong foundation of skills. These will create opportunities for long-term progression.
2.Never stop developing your competence
Qualifications are important, but real competence comes from combining technical knowledge, practical experience, training and the ability to apply what you’ve learned.
3.Build a reputation for reliability
Construction is a relationship-driven industry. Being dependable, taking ownership and following through on commitments are qualities that will serve you throughout your career.
4.Embrace technology and change
Digital construction, Building Information Modelling (BIM), modern methods of construction and new building safety requirements are changing the industry. Developing an understanding of these areas can open new career opportunities.
5.Make safety a priority
Good safety habits are essential from the beginning of your career. Always ask questions, seek guidance and take responsibility for working safely.
6.Learn from experienced colleagues
Mentoring and knowledge-sharing are invaluable. Working alongside experienced professionals can help accelerate your development and build confidence.
7.Understand how the wider industry works
Take opportunities to learn about design, planning, quality, commercial management, safety and project delivery. Understanding how different disciplines work together can help you identify new career pathways.
8.Stay curious
Every project, challenge and conversation provides an opportunity to learn something new. For Alex, the most important advice is simple: never stop learning. Construction offers the potential for a rewarding and varied career, but making the most of those opportunities requires commitment, curiosity and a willingness to continually develop.
Build Your Future with Caxton Group
At Caxton Group, we believe that investing in people is one of the most important investments we can make. From developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople through Caxton Academy to supporting experienced professionals with ongoing training and career progression, we’re committed to helping our people reach their potential.
Our values of Trust, Respect, Integrity and Passion are at the heart of that commitment.
Interested in building your career with Caxton Group? Get in touch to find out more about our businesses, apprenticeship pathways and potential career opportunities.
