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Need an extra pair of hands? We’ll match you with the right ones.

Throughout the year, the HBXL Skills Academy trains people in Estimating, Business Management, Project Management, and CAD for Construction. Some are looking for more knowledge to help run their own business better – but many are developing skills they want to put to work for someone else. That’s why we offer a type of ‘matchmaking’ service – support when you need it – even if it’s just a few hours a week to get on top of quotes or drawings. Tell us what you’re after, and we’ll do the matching – free of charge.

 

More about the HBXL Skills Academy

Skilled, work-ready support – full-time, part-time, remote, in-person or hybrid

We’re not a recruitment agency – this is more like a matchmaking service – and at no cost to you! We’re not going to send you a stack of CVs. Instead, tell us what kind of support you need and how you’d like it delivered, and we’ll look at who we’ve trained, who’s available, and who’s the right fit – then introduce you. No commitment at this stage. If it looks promising, the next step is simply an interview, that we can set-up if required. Then you decide from there.

The kind of skills you can ask for

Our graduates come from four core disciplines. Here’s a flavour of what each brings to the table – mix and match to whatever your business needs right now. Our learners have a range of experience. Some are relatively new to construction. Some are experienced. Some may be pivoting from one construction role to another. What they all have in common is 60+ hours of rigorous, practical training. Got to be worth a chat?

CAD Technician

Trained on our CAD for Construction Skills Bootcamp

Trained in PlansXpress, they can turn your sketches and notes into accurate, professional drawings. They can trace existing plans, and make adjustments.

  • Able to interpret and analyse construction drawings
  • Able to draft building plans to a planning permission-ready level
  • Understand the process of estimating costs from building plans
  • Recognise core Health & Safety requirements in building terms

They will have a portfolio of CAD designs – extension, loft conversion, new build and personal project – to show you.

EnquireWhat they learned

Estimator

Trained on our Estimating Skills Bootcamp

Trained in EstimatorXpress, they can produce accurate, detailed estimates and quotes – new builds, extensions, garages, loft conversions, renovations –  they know just how important the pricing is for running a profitable business.

  • Able to read and interpret construction drawings
  • Able to price building work
  • Able to calculate profit margins, overheads and quote effectively
  • Know how to support project planning
  • Understand contracts, deposits, stage payments, legal frameworks and more.

They will have a set of estimates and quotes for different projects types to show you.

EnquireWhat they learned

Business Support

Trained on our Business Management Skills Bootcamp

Trained in BuildProjex Project Management, and ProjectXpert, they can take the admin and planning load off you – or simply provide you with the project support you need. They understand what it takes to run a an efficient, healthy and effective building company and can assist you at site supervisor level.

  • Could plan and manage projects with financial, operational and safety confidence
  • Understands drawings, cost estimating, profit, cashflow analysis, building regs…
  • Has a knowledge of commercial and business principles
  • Could navigate legal, contractual and safety requirements

Graduates also have the CITB Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme Certification and have no issue with rolling up their sleeves on site.

EnquireWhat they learned

Site / Project Manager

Trained on our Project Management Skills Bootcamp

Trained in BuildProjex Project Management and ProjectXpert, they can keep a job on track – with a watchful eye on lead times, deliveries, resources, profit, cashflow – so problems get caught before they become expensive ones.

  • Trained to manage building projects – knows best business practices
  • Able to advise on sustainable business growth based on profit, overheads, cashflow
  • Can communicate effectively with clients, subcontractors and teams
  • Can deliver Toolbox Talks and foster a proactive health and safety culture.

Most of our graduates will have also completed the highly regarded PRINCE2 7 Foundation Course.

EnquireWhat they learned

How our match-making service works

  1. Fill in the short form – the type of support you need, and how you’d like it delivered (full-time, part-time, ad-hoc). Please note, the majority of our graduates are available on a remote basis. Although if you’re looking for site or project support many learners are available locally.
  2. We match our graduates against your requirement and get in touch to talk it through – usually within 5 working days.
  3. If it’s a fit, we introduce you directly. They have an interview. You take it from there. No fees, no commitment. It’s all free of charge.