Supporting veterans and closing the industry skills gap with the launch of our new highways academy

We’ve partnered with Building Heroes, which provides skills training to military veterans and support into employment in building trades, to launch a dedicated Highways Training Academy in Oxfordshire.

This new initiative is part of our continuing support to veterans and our commitment to close the industry skills gap.

Sponsored  by M Group Highways, the Building Heroes Highways Training Academy is one of the first of its kind, marking a significant step in our work to tacking the highways sector’s critical skills shortage.

Launching in February 2026, the academy is based at the Drayton highways maintenance depot in Oxfordshire. It aims  to offer participants the guaranteed opportunity to interview for M Group jobs across the country on completion of the course.

The academy will deliver four-week programmes, combining New Roads and Street Works Act certification (NRSWA or Streetworks) and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) accreditation, alongside hands-on training in areas including traffic management and emergency first aid. The training will be provided by industrial training experts C&G Services.

Building Heroes, now in its eleventh year, has supported over 4,000 Armed Forces community learners and holds the Queen’s Award for Enterprise (Promoting Opportunity) for outstanding social mobility support. This is their dedicated current highways-focused programme and demonstrates how employer-led initiatives can deliver social value while meeting operational needs.

“M Group is very proud to be sponsoring the Building Heroes Highways Academy, we recognise the enormous potential of armed forces leavers and want to support them as they build meaningful civilian careers. Through this ongoing partnership and investment, we hope the participants see the value and opportunities that M Group can offer as we develop the vital skills required to maintain our highways.”

Richard Lovewell,  Business Director, M Group Highways

“We are pleased to be opening the Building Heroes Training Academy in partnership with M Group and C&G Services. Supporting members of the Armed Forces community into meaningful civilian employment is central to our charitable purpose. This Academy will equip learners with recognised skills and qualifications while supporting Oxfordshire County Council and our partners in developing a skilled and resilient highways workforce that benefits the wider community.”

Chris Charles, Building Heroes Education Foundation Chief Executive

“We are committed to supporting our military forces communities across the county and are delighted to be involved in this excellent initiative. This new academy is about creating opportunities for people who’ve served our country while developing the skilled workforce Oxfordshire needs.”

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council’s and its Overall Military Champion

For more information or to apply for the programme, visit https://www.buildingheroes.org.uk/courses/groundworks-and-civils