Learning Curve Group | Construction Skills Academy

Our Construction Academy will give you the skills, qualifications and confidence to succeed today and in the future.

At our Academies in Middlesbrough and Sunderland, you will find environments ideal for hands-on learning that really does make a difference. A perfect alternative to college for a young person and ideal for adults who want to change careers or improve their skills around the house to do it yourself; our academies are government-funded, which means it won't cost you anything to sign up (subject to eligibility). And with local progression and apprenticeship opportunities, now is the time to get in touch and learn more.

Our courses will equip you with skills for life. Courses range from just four weeks to a year, after which there are a variety of routes that can be taken, including opportunities to progress on to further training for those with the ambition, ability and desire to continue learning.

Boost your confidence, overcome challenges and, with support and guidance every step of the way, we can break down any personal barriers preventing you from being the best you can be.

You will learn in a highly inspiring environment and be taught by tutors with vast industry experience and strong academic qualifications.

What courses do we offer?

Bricklaying

You will learn the practical skills of laying bricks level, plumb and straight. You will construct different types of walls, fit for a variety of purposes, and use special-shaped bricks to create varied brick patterns and features.

Electrical Installation

Ideal for learners with little to no prior experience in electrical installation, including those aged 16-18 who have just left school. Covering topics like safe working practices, electrical wiring, and fabrication techniques.

Joinery

You will work on a variety of projects, where you will learn how to produce different timber joints and cuts, make frames, hang doors and produce stud work. You will also be trained in the safe use of power tools. The course will teach you how to measure up fittings, identify what quantities of materials you will need for the job, and ensure you can create work that is straight and level. You will learn the manual skills of a joiner and have opportunities to be creative, to work from architects’ drawings.

Multi-Skills

Construction is a rewarding industry covering a vast range of professions and exciting progression opportunities. If you can’t decide which construction-based course to take, or are interested in more than one, then Multi-Skills could provide you with the broad skills base you need. It will give you an insight into all the construction-based trades and you’ll even get to try your hand at them.

Painting & Decorating

You will learn a vast range of skills, including how to wallpaper, paint with gloss and emulsion, and varnish inside and out. Through expert training on the use of materials, such as oil and water-based paints, you will soon grasp the best solution for each job and how to create the ‘wow’ factor. You will discover how to impress clients and brighten up their lives by creating the liveable and workable spaces they dream of.

Plastering

Working in a dedicated training bay, you will learn how to plaster to a high standard. You will carry out, and become skilled at, tasks including boarding, rendering and even moulding your own dado rail, skimming and repairing damage caused by rewiring and water.

Plumbing

Alongside practical skills, learners will also gain theoretical knowledge about plumbing principles, systems and safety regulations. Covering a range of basic tasks and underpinning knowledge involved in plumbing.

Functional Skills

Sometimes our numeracy and literacy skills hold us back in general day-to-day tasks and, even worse, from getting a job. That’s why, when completing a course at one of our Academies, we are also able to help you improve your English and maths. This is not like being at school; we will get you through your qualifications and on the path to success.

The newly expanded & improved Sunderland Academy will open in the summer of 2025

We cannot wait to open the doors to our new Sunderland Academy! The new academy will deliver new courses in Electrical Installation, Plumbing, as well as a whole range of commercial courses.

Find out more

Find Out More About Our Academies

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by learners before enrolling on the course.

No. We will make sure that you work at a level that is suitable for you.

Yes, almost all of the training on offer is free due to the course being partly funded by the European Social Fund, Adult Education Budget and other associated funding streams. Some courses may not be funded but can be paid for with an Advanced Learner Loan. We know that can sound confusing, but we can help you figure out what's best for you.

For those aged 16-19 you may be eligible for a training bursary or allowance depending on which country you live in.

Your local council will have information on the services, discounts and concessions available in your area for travel - click here to find out more.

Support may also be available through the Bursary Fund. Contact Learner Support at help@learningcurvegroup.co.uk.

You will receive individual career advice whilst on the course to help you with your vocational choices.

Unlike traditional colleges, you can start anytime during the year. We have courses running across the entire calendar year.

Middlesbrough Construction Academy

Address: Unit 1, Westerby Road, Skippers Lane Industrial Estate, Middlesbrough, TS3 8TD
Call: 0303 003 3677
Email: ConstructionAcademies@learningcurvegroup.co.uk

Sunderland Construction Academy

Address: Unit 34A, Pallion Industrial Estate, Sunderland, SR4 6SN
Call: 0303 003 3677
Email: ConstructionAcademies@learningcurvegroup.co.uk