Tuesday 12th July 2016


Nick Knowles appointed as President of the new National Construction Academy (NCA)

The National Construction Academy (NCA) are delighted to announce the appointment of Nick Knowles, TV presenter, director and writer as President. Nick brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role and is passionate about helping young people to secure careers in the construction industry. His work reflects a genuine understanding of the difference skilled tradespeople can make to building and renovating homes.

Nick’s role as President will further strengthen the new Board which includes Ian Hodgkinson of Hodgkinson Builders and Thomas Marples together with the owners of Aspire Achieve Advance Ltd, which is one of the most successful apprenticeship providers in England with over 4000 apprentices on programme.  Nick will bring ambassadorial leadership to NCA to support and guide the development of the training programmes, with his abundant passion and vision for the construction industry in UK. The TV personality will help to provide life changing opportunities for young people to start a career path and become successful in the construction trade.

NCA has been created by a partnership of 3aaa and Ian Hodgkinson and it has received great support from the sector. It also responds to the Government’s priorities of developing skills in the construction sector and to increase the numbers of Apprentices.  NCA offers traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities that can change the lives of young people offering them an exciting and rewarding chance to build a successful career in the construction industry and perhaps go on to establish their own successful construction companies

Ian Hodgkinson – Founder and owner of Hodgkinson Builders commented “Nick Knowles has a strong commitment to helping young people to find careers and jobs that can transform lives. I have worked with Nick on many projects over the years and he will be a champion of everything that encourages and develops young people to enter the Construction sector.  We are delighted to have him as our President, by changing the archaic perceptions of the building trade, we hope to tackle the labour shortages UK wide, which are impacting on the production of new homes. It is a great honour to be working with Nick, and we can’t wait to get moving on the next step of our NCA journey.”

Nick Knowles said “‘I am delighted to be joining NCA as President. The construction industry is one that I am extremely passionate about and the need for new homes to be built across the country is critical. NCA has an ambition to provide a national network of training so that employers in the construction sector have a superb pool of labour to respond to the enormous demand for new homes nationwide.  I am looking forward to being able to play a role in inspiring young people to be successful in this industry. A career in construction can take you far with the right training and attitude I am excited to be part of this new venture and maybe one day one of our apprentices will be hosting their own TV programme or running their own successful business!”

NCA offers traineeships and apprenticeships for young people and employers in the construction sector. The NCA traineeship offers candidates extensive support and training to achieve their CSCS card and to understand the practical skills and knowledge required to be a valuable and safe member of a worksite. Currently delivering the traineeship lasts for a period of 12 weeks and includes 6 weeks of training and 6 weeks of work experience with an employer. Each trainee will then be equipped to enter onto an apprenticeship program with that employer.

The NCA apprenticeship enables candidates to further their knowledge and enter employment in the construction industry. The apprentice will learn more advanced techniques to become a competent construction worked. NCA currently have an academy in Derby.

If you are an Employer looking to transform your business, e-mail employ@ncaapp.co.uk or a young person looking to take your first steps into a career in construction, e-mail apply@ncaapp.co.uk.

To find out more about NCA, please visit www.ncaapp.co.uk or call 0330 124 2069.

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