Groundbreaking LABC Academy trainee programme wins prestigious London Construction Awards

The LABC Academy has been recognised for its groundbreaking LABC Academy trainee programme at a prominent industry awards ceremony.

Winning Apprenticeship Initiative of the Year at the London Construction Awards, judges pointed to how the Academy has been instrumental in supporting the industry to deliver safe and sustainable buildings as a reason for the accolade.  

LABC launched the LABC Academy to recruit and develop trainees in the building control sector, providing a much-needed injection of talent into the profession. Through investment by English and Welsh government and the LABC Board of Directors, the programme has already recruited and trained 150 people since it launched in late 2023. 

The LABC Academy gives people the opportunity to earn while they learn; complemented by a structured education and mentorship programme allowing trainees to gain the skills and knowledge to become Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs). The programme has been recognised as instrumental in supporting the industry to deliver safe and sustainable buildings. 

LABC's Chief Executive Lorna Stimpson said

“The LABC Academy has been a huge success. It has attracted a wide and diverse range of people, from college leavers and ex-military to allied construction trades and professionals, who all wanted to join building control so that they could play their part in delivering safe, quality buildings. 

“This award is testament to the excellent team at LABC and in our local authorities and to the government’s vital investment in our profession.

“Positively, we have been given additional funding from both English and Welsh Governments to recruit and train more people to become RBIs, adding more capacity to the industry.”

About the programme

Trainee Building Inspectors receive two-year fixed-term contracts from LABC, secondments into councils for on-the-job experiential learning and expert mentoring; fully funded vocational qualifications and study time, and validation to become Registered Building Inspectors.

LABC’s unique suite of accredited qualifications have been developed by highly experienced building control technical experts and provide a career progression pathway that mirrors building inspector registration classes. The qualifications, alongside gaining experience with experienced local authority mentors has proven to be a resounding success with trainees excelling in their studies and fast tracking to Class 2A competence validation within 18 months. 

A career for many

The programme has proved a popular career option for a diverse range of applicants and shows that a career in construction provides prospects for those wanting to change careers as well as those starting out. 

A career in public service building control is more than just plan assessments and site inspections. As individuals progress in their public service building control career, they’ll have the opportunity to work on dangerous structures, sports stadia and have responsibility for taking enforcement action to protect the public and make a demonstrable difference to their communities. 

Interested?

LABC is delighted to confirm that through additional government funding it is currently recruiting for new trainee building inspectors to join the LABC Academy programme. 

With opportunities across England and Wales, now is the ideal time to get qualified, gain experience and start your career in public service building control. 

Find out more and apply here.

If you’d like to find out more about what the role entails view our YouTube channel to hear from existing trainees and mentors:

• Joining LABC is the best decision I ever made
• A well respected career in building control
• Joining building control and the LABC Academy