HICSA: Revolutionising modern housing and North East skills

The Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA), led by Sunderland College (part of EPNE) in partnership with Sunderland City Council, the Ministry of Building Innovation and Education (MOBIE), Gentoo and Bishop Chadwick Education Trust (BCCET), will become a beacon of opportunity, innovation, sustainability and collaboration.

A vision for modern housing

HICSA will focus on industry relevant skills provision including traditional craft, advanced construction and low carbon technologies aligned to an ambitious built environment strategy.

Ellen Thinnesen, EPNE chief executive, says: “As a unique industry skills gateway, HICSA will deliver in all areas of the technical skills curriculum pertinent to the construction industries of today and tomorrow.

“In addition, strategy will also include training in areas such as project management, techniques to solve construction problems, digital engineering, data management, building design, surveying, planning and site safety.”

HICSA will create careers, contribute to Sunderland’s socio-economic growth and environmental sustainability, and futureproof the city’s infrastructure.

Peter McIntyre, executive director of city development at Sunderland City Council, says: “HICSA is a key part of an ambitious housing and built environment ecosystem – an enabler that will support us to build more high-quality homes, while creating opportunities for local people.

“HICSA is integrated into Sunderland’s multibillion-pound regeneration, which, over the course of the next decade, will see the city completely reinvent itself.”

Empowering the community and social mobility

For many, HICSA represents a pathway to new career opportunities, offering a range of technical qualifications, training courses and apprenticeships.

Iain Nixon, EPNE’s vice principal of partnerships and commercial, says: “HICSA has been carefully designed to facilitate a mixed delivery model, connecting industry and skills providers from across the education landscape.

“We are keen to hear from independent training providers that may wish to explore potential for joining our strategic collaboration.”

Training the workforce of tomorrow

HICSA’s curriculum skills strategy is being shaped by industry with a clear focus on housing and commercial infrastructure.

The Gentoo Skills Academy is an innovative skills partnership bridging the gap between education and the world of work.

Twenty-two pupils aged between 14 and 16 from St Wilfrid’s RC College, part of BCCET, will study a technical construction qualification alongside their GCSEs.

On completion, academy graduates will be offered guaranteed interviews for a T Level at Sunderland College or an apprenticeship with Gentoo, preparing them for an exciting career in the industry.

Louise Bassett, Gentoo chief executive, says: “We are delighted to launch the Gentoo Skills Academy to help inspire the workforce of the future and address skills shortages in construction.

“We can’t wait to welcome the students to the Academy and continue our partnership with Sunderland College, particularly when the Academy moves into HICSA.”

Brendan Tapping, BCCET chief executive, adds: “This is an exciting opportunity, providing an indepth understanding of the trades required in the modern housing industry.

“It will provide our students with an advantage as they begin their career journeys in a competitive jobs market, allowing them to be the best version of themselves.”

MOBIE is working closely with Sunderland College to deliver an interactive programme of challenges to engage and inspire local school pupils.

Founded by Sunderland-born architect and television presenter George Clarke, MOBIE inspires young people to revolutionise the way they think about homes and define how they want to live now and in the future.

Supporting a sustainable future

One of the most exciting features of HICSA is a focus on sustainable and energy-efficient building practices, training the next generation of workers in the techniques and technologies that will define the homes of tomorrow.

A collaborative effort

Sunderland City Council and Sunderland College have worked closely to bring HICSA’s vision to life, alongside Brims Construction, which is making the project a reality.

Meanwhile, North East leaders are working to shape a robust curriculum.

Professor Graham Wynn, pro-vice chancellor (education) at Northumbria University, says: “We look forward to working closely with Sunderland College and ensuring our university is contributing to education and research in building design, digital construction, sustainable technologies and modern construction methods.

“Our partnership will bring substantial benefits to our region and beyond, forging visible pathways between HICSA and Northumbria University, equipping the sector with the essential skills and innovative knowledge needed to meet future challenges.”

HICSA

For more information about HICSA and to explore potential partnership opportunities, visit www.sunderlandcollege.ac.uk/hicsa