The HBXL Skills Academy has been making a real impact in Lancashire. We provide valuable Construction Skills Bootcamps for individuals who are unemployed, self-employed, retraining, upskilling or developing existing knowledge. We’re supported by the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, who in turn support Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council, and Blackburn with Darwin Borough Council.
And not only is HBXL equipping individuals with essential construction skills in estimating, business and CAD, but we’re also giving back to the local community. As a small but proactive provider, we’ve been involved in several initiatives alongside the Lancashire Skills Hub and our Construction Skills Bootcamps. Here’s a round-up of our recent work that’s making a difference.
TeenTech – Supporting young learners
TeenTech is a not-for-profit Charity and Community Interest Company. TeenTech Lancashire is now in its fifth year, bringing together students across the region for an interactive programme helping young people understand the range of opportunities across digital, science and technology and the many different entry points. And the HBXL Skills Academy is all over it! We’re well aware that it’s vital to nurture the tech experts of tomorrow. Joanna attended as a Tech Ambassador at the TeenTech Festival in Lancashire, Shannyn in Cardiff, and Andy in Brighton, while Tom attended the TeenTech awards in London. We look forward to supporting more young learners at the 2025 events, including Lancashire’s festival in June.
Recycling Lives Kitchen – Sponsoring four learners
We’re incredibly proud to be contributing to Recycling Lives, an organisation that transforms lives through employment and rehabilitation. We’ve sponsored four learners on one of the charity’s cooking programmes. The course helps ensure that individuals who are rebuilding their futures have access to nutritious meals while also learning valuable kitchen and life skills. This initiative aligns with our ethos of providing opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally.
The Wrap-Up Collection – Providing Warm Coats
Winter can be particularly harsh for those struggling financially or experiencing homelessness. That’s why we were delighted to take part in the Wrap-Up collection, gathering warm coats for those in need. Thanks to the generosity of our staff, we were able to collect and distribute numerous coats, helping to keep people warm and comfortable during the colder months.
Rowing to Lancashire – The HBXL Rowathon!
The HBXL team has taken on the ambitious challenge of ‘rowing’ the distance to Lancashire. Together, we’re tackling a monumental 190 miles (305 km) – that’s the distance from Bristol to Lancashire! While we aren’t actually taking to the water, we’re covering the equivalent miles on rowing machines in the office gym at Here. The effort is demonstrating our team’s dedication to making a tangible impact, and we’re grateful for everyone who is supporting us along the way, so that we can raise vital funds for Let’s Grow Preston, an important environmental charity.
Let’s Grow Preston
The Let’s Grow Preston charity promotes community gardening and sustainability. Their work in creating green spaces, providing food-growing education, and enhancing wellbeing in the community aligns with our belief in practical, hands-on learning. Our contribution will help support their projects, further strengthening the ties between construction, sustainability, and community development.
CAD Mentoring – Supporting the next designers
Our Construction Skills Bootcamps don’t just teach technical skills; they provide mentorship and guidance. We offer CAD mentoring once the course is over, to help learners develop industry-relevant skills that improve their job prospects. Through one-to-one support, we’ve seen individuals gain confidence in their ability to create professional plans and drawings, equipping them for a successful future in construction.
We believe in empowering individuals with practical skills while also supporting the wider community. Whether it’s through education, charity initiatives, or hands-on mentorship, we’re proud to be making a difference in Lancashire. Our work with the Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub continues to strengthen opportunities for learners and professionals alike, ensuring a brighter future for all involved. To find out more visit our the HBXL Skills Academy website.