Big name brands back PfP Thrive to tackle skills crisis head on

• Industry leaders pledge to tackle the skills shortage
• Bosch, CEF, Travis Perkins and more join forces with PfP Thrive
• Will supply tools, materials and expertise for next-gen trade training
  

PfP Thrive, part of Places for People, has announced a major collaboration with leading construction suppliers – including Bosch, CEF and Travis Perkins – in a bid to tackle the UK’s growing skills shortage.

This newly formed social value alliance will help power PfP Thrive’s ambitious goal to train over 100 apprentices in its first year. When the new PfP Thrive Academy opens in Derby this September, it will welcome learners at all stages – from industry newcomers to experienced professionals looking to upskill – marking the start of their development journeys.

Industry-leading brands have pledged hands-on support, donating tools, materials, and staff time to ensure apprentices gain real-world experience with professional-grade equipment.

Among the partners is Travis Perkins, the UK's largest supplier to the building and construction industry, which is contributing essential building materials.

Michael Milburn of Travis Perkins said: “We’re proud to support PfP Thrive by donating materials and working with our suppliers to do the same. Their academy setup, designed as a real tenant’s home, gives apprentices invaluable hands-on experience that prepares them for real-world challenges beyond textbook learning."

Bosch, a global supplier of power tools, is also on board, providing welcome kits and equipment for learners.

Paul Stevenson of Bosch commented: “By supporting apprentices with the provision of tools, we’re supporting the entire sector. PfP Thrive offers a hands-on learning ground that will set people of all experience up to face the realities of working in social housing.”

CEF, the UK’s largest electrical wholesale distributor, is pledging both materials and training expertise, aligning with its wider commitment to investing in future talent.

Atul Dattani of CEF said: ““PfP Thrive isn’t just a customer – they’re a partner. We share a purpose, and we want to play our part in helping the housing sector thrive: through skills, through sustainability, and through real social impact.”

Other confirmed partners include Solve Social Value, Aico, Trowers & Hamlins, and Communities that Work – all contributing expert mentoring, policy insight, or valuable sector connections.

PfP Thrive was created to help build a future-proof workforce for the housing sector – spanning retrofit specialists, general trades, and asset management professionals. The new Derby academy will offer immersive, site-based training in a realistic residential setting, tailored for both new entrants and seasoned professionals retraining for the future.

Tom Arey, Director of PfP Thrive, said: “The skills shortage is one of the greatest challenges facing the housing and construction sectors today. The only way to solve it is through genuine cross-industry collaboration. 

“We are so incredibly grateful for the support from all of our social value partners; together, we’re creating a training ecosystem that can drive real change.”

The news comes just weeks after PfP Thrive announced it had signed partnerships with major industry names, each of whom will train and upskill their people at the new Academy. Among the organisations are Havebury Housing, Amulius Housing, Futures Housing Group, Thrive Homes, Saffron Housing, Wates Group, Peabody Housing, East Midlands Homes (EMH), Alpha Living, Platform HG, Plymouth Community Homes, Novus Property Solutions, Gilmartin’s Group, Breck Group, Flagship Group, Notting Hill  Genesis, The Guinness Partnership, Alpha Living, Derventio Housing Trust, Anchor , Riverside, Nottingham Community Housing, Warrington Housing Association,  and West Kent Housing. Learning partners have also come on board, with the Retrofit Academy, City and Guilds, Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and Study Academy supporting training and accreditation moving forward.