Billington Fabrication Academy Launches, Supporting the Next Generation of Steelwork Fabricators

Billington Structures has officially launched the Billington Fabrication Academy, with its first intake of 15 apprentices commencing September 2026. 

The Academy has been established to create a structured route into steelwork fabrication and support the long-term development of skilled people within the business. Working with training provider Betterweld, the programme combines technical training with practical experience across Billingtons’ operations.

The initial 12-month programme combines academic learning with workplace training, with apprentices spending four days each week at college and one day within the business. This approach enables them to apply their learning in a working environment while developing an understanding of the processes, skills and standards required within steelwork fabrication and the wider construction industry. 

Practical experience forms an integral part of the Academy. Apprentices will rotate through different areas of the factory and technical departments, alongside opportunities to visit construction sites. Apprentices will be assigned a dedicated mentor to provide support throughout their training and help them develop the skills required for a career in fabrication. 

Before transitioning fully into the workplace, apprentices will complete mandatory safety and workplace training, alongside recognised BS EN ISO 9606 welder qualifications, ensuring they have the skills and competencies required to progress safely into the live production facility. 

The Academy will help Billington develop a long-term pipeline of skilled fabricators. It will also support succession planning as experienced members of the workforce approach retirement, while reducing reliance on external recruitment. 

The first intake of the Billington Fabrication Academy marks the beginning of a longer-term programme, with Billington planning to recruit between 10 and 15 fabrication apprentices each year, developing their skills and competency before gradually increasing their exposure to production. 

Dan Duffield, Managing Director, said: “The opening of our training academy represents a key milestone in our long-term commitment to addressing the growing skills gap within our industry. We recognise the important role we have to play, and our investment in the Academy is vital to developing the next generation. “It’s great to see the enthusiasm from our apprentices as they embark on their journeys in the industry, and we look forward to providing them with the training and support for long and fulfilling careers in our sector.”

Jon Wright, Production Director, said: “It’s amazing to see the Training Academy go from concept to reality. It’s a fantastic achievement by everyone involved, especially in such a short timeframe. This is more than a training facility; it’s an investment in our people and the future of Billington, giving us a structured approach to developing the skilled fabricators our growing business requires in the years ahead.”