What is the Drayton Beaumont Academy?

The Drayton Beaumont Academy is helping to shape the next generation of construction professionals. Working in partnership with Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG), an Ofsted-rated Outstanding college, the Academy brings together high-quality classroom learning with valuable real-world industry experience. Students have the opportunity to learn alongside experienced professionals across the Drayton Beaumont Group, gaining insight into the wide range of specialist disciplines that make up the construction and engineering industry.

Through this combination of education and hands-on experience, students can put their knowledge into practice in a professional environment while developing the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to build a successful career and thrive within the construction industry. We want to help young people discover their potential, develop as professionals and build valuable connections, while supporting the continued growth and development of the construction industry and the communities we work in, both locally and nationally.

What do students gain from the Drayton Beaumont Academy?

Students get the unique opportunity to explore all three companies within the Drayton Beaumont Group, gaining real insight into the wide range of careers available across construction and engineering before deciding which path is right for them. At Drayton Beaumont, students can experience everything from mechanical and electrical engineering, working alongside electricians, plumbers and site managers, to our in-house design team using specialist software such as CAD. They can also visit Therser, where they can explore thermal engineering and prefabrication and discover specialist careers such as welding, while JPR provides exposure to areas including fire and security, data and facilities management.

One of the biggest benefits of the Academy is that students can discover careers and opportunities they may never have known existed, while gaining valuable experience alongside industry professionals. Alongside their qualification, they can progress into an apprenticeship with their Level 3 qualification plus two years of genuine industry experience. This gives them a significant advantage as they begin their careers, with practical knowledge, confidence and a stronger understanding of the industry from day one.

What are the impact and outcomes of the Drayton Beaumont Academy?

The Academy is designed to create a lasting impact for students, businesses and the wider construction and engineering industry. By introducing young people to professional environments and helping them understand the opportunities available within the sector, we aim to build confidence, ambition and a clear pathway into employment. Students leave better prepared to make informed career decisions and take their next steps, while employers benefit from a growing pool of talented, motivated individuals who already understand the expectations of the workplace. In the long term, the Academy supports the development of a stronger, more skilled workforce and helps address the future skills needs of the construction and engineering industries across the UK.