Building the foundations of tomorrow
At the CECA Wales Awards evening in April, Bridgend College, in proud partnership with CECA Wales and CITB, launched the Civils Infrastructure Training Alliance (CITA) which aims to develop the next generation of civil engineering operatives (aka groundworkers) and plant operatives (aka machine drivers).
As the civil engineering landscape evolves, the demand for a highly skilled, adaptable, and safety-conscious workforce has never been greater. CITA was established to meet this challenge head-on, providing a direct pipeline for talent and a hub for professional excellence in Wales. The Alliance will provide a routemap for those wishing to enter the industry, to pursue apprenticeships and, potentially, to progress right through to site supervisory and managerial roles.
Located in Llanharry, Pontyclun, this purpose-built training facility provides a real-world learning environment to bridge the gap between the classroom and the construction site. Confidence is built through hands-on experience, which is why the Llanharry site functions as a simulated site environment. This allows trainees to replicate the challenges and scale of real-world projects in a controlled setting.
At this specialised facility, trainees can develop their skills across a variety of essential disciplines:
- Site Services: Access a comprehensive range of services required to run a safe and efficient modern worksite.
- Groundworks and Civils: Undertake large-scale excavation, drainage installation, and structural concreting.
- Paving and Surfacing: Gain proficiency in professional-grade tarmac surfacing and precision block paving.
- Plant Operation: Build practical experience and earn safety certifications while working with heavy machinery.
Whether you’re an employer looking to upskill your team or an individual looking to advance your career or even take the first step into civil engineering, CITA provides the resources and expertise needed to thrive. By providing a space where trainees can learn practically, the Alliance ensures that individuals arrive on a live site ready to contribute from day one.
The site, which is currently being developed, will be operational from September 2026 and over the course of the next 2-3 years employers will be working with Bridgend College to co-design bespoke training bundles to introduce to new entrants and to upskill and reskill their own workforces.
If you’d like more information follow this link Civils Infrastructure Training Alliance (CITA) – Coleg Penybont or contact ed.evans@cecawales.co.uk
This is a much needed and exciting development for the civil engineering sector which with your support, we hope to develop the workforce of the future.