HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions and New College Lanarkshire (NCL) have entered into a strategic academy partnership aimed at addressing critical workforce shortages and fostering technical excellence in North Lanarkshire.

The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, is designed to create a sustainable talent pipeline for the region's infrastructure sector.

The initiative follows the 2024 award of an eight-year road infrastructure maintenance contract to HOCHTIEF by North Lanarkshire Council. By aligning industry requirements with educational delivery, the partnership will provide training across NCL campuses, HOCHTIEF facilities, and active worksites. The curriculum will feature a diverse range of programmes, including a brand-new Multi-skilled Roadworker qualification, road operatives training, modern apprenticeships, and accredited upskilling for established tradespeople.

To enhance productivity and business resilience, the academy will utilise high-quality learning solutions, including digital platforms such as 'The Learning Well'. Furthermore, HOCHTIEF and NCL intend to align their respective charitable foundations to develop initiatives that broaden access to education and increase community impact. Applications for the NCL HOCHTIEF Academy are expected to open in the second quarter of 2026.

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Jannis Nasoulis, Contract Manager at HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions, said: "This announcement arrives as we are well underway in delivering our eight-year contract with North Lanarkshire Council, to improve the region's road infrastructure. By forging a strategic partnership with New College Lanarkshire, we are establishing a joint commitment to drive local investment through targeted skills development and creating new routes to well-paid, skilled jobs in the local area. We aim to welcome as many people as possible to the academy and bring them on the journey to becoming a future-ready roads maintenance professional – a valuable and lasting career with countless avenues for progression."

Professor Christopher Moore, New College Lanarkshire's Principal and Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted to have come to this agreement with HOCHTIEF, a global leader in creating sustainable infrastructure. The valuable focus of their work in North Lanarkshire means we can work together on giving people the skills needed to build Lanarkshire's future. We know that when education and industry build effective partnerships people and communities can thrive."

Councillor Helen Loughran, Convener of the council's Environment and Climate Change Committee, said: "The new training academy will deliver education and training that meets the needs of the roads industry and gives local people the skills for a career in this important sector. It will include a wide range of courses, including a new Multi-skilled Roadworker qualification, Modern Apprenticeships, online and digital learning programmes and undergraduate degrees. This is an innovative and forward-thinking initiative, developed through the council's contract with HOCHTIEF to maintain and improve our roads and infrastructure network."