Skills academy extended for trainee building inspectors

A training scheme for building inspectors, which has attracted nearly 2,000 applicants so far, is launching its fourth recruitment drive.

There are 30 places available in the latest cohort of the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) trainee academy, with trainees set to start work in local authorities across England from June 2024.

To date, 124 trainee building control surveyors have been recruited through the LABC Academy.

LABC chief executive Lorna Stimpson said: “In the first two recruitment rounds, we had more than a thousand applicants in total, and the third round alone saw nearly 800 people wanting to join our profession.

“We’re seeking new recruits who are technically minded, like problem solving, are keen to learn and looking for a rewarding career in public service.

“The trainees currently going through the programme all say they appreciate the combination of learning on the job while studying and getting paid. Working alongside experienced building control professionals who can show them the ropes on site is particularly popular.” 

Throughout the two-year programme, funded jointly by LABC and the government, trainees will gain a Level 4 and Level 5 diploma in building control surveying. 

Starting salaries for 18-year-old college leavers entering the Academy range from £19,500 to £23,500 a year, depending on location. More experienced career changers start on higher salaries. 

All trainees are provided with full personal protective equipment (PPE), IT equipment and software, as well as student membership of the CIOB, CABE and RICS.

For more information on the LABC Academy or to apply, visit: www.labc.co.uk/labc-academy.