The Civil Engineering Training Centre (CETC) is an award-winning, state-of-the-art facility for careers in groundworks, highways, and civil engineering. It offers apprenticeships and short, work-ready courses designed to launch construction careers.
Who we are
At CETC, we don’t just teach—we prepare. Our two-acre mock construction site mirrors real-world conditions, using the same tools, machines, and methods as live projects. Apprentices gain real skills, earn while they learn, and step on-site with confidence—entering a high-demand profession with strong prospects and long-term growth.
We are a unique collaborative movement, led by industry experts and shaped by real employers. Read more about our history below.
Award-winning training facility
‘Apprentice Initiative of the Year’ at the Prestigious Construction Excellence SECBE awards
‘Construction Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’ at the FE Week and AELP ACC Apprenticeship Awards’
Our Journey
CETC was created in 2017 to tackle a serious and growing issue: the shortage of skilled groundworkers and civil engineers across the South of England. Without action, the industry risked slowing down—and so a new solution was needed.
That solution came through collaboration. Leading contractor Blanchard Wells, together with 15 other construction and groundworks companies, formed the Solent Civil Engineering Employer Group (SCEEG). Working in partnership with Fareham College (now part of South Hampshire College Group), they designed a unique apprenticeship programme shaped by the needs of the industry.
Today, CETC is an award-winning specialist training centre supporting a steady stream of apprentices each year into careers in construction. What makes CETC great isn’t just the facility—it’s the people. Our employer partners, remain actively involved: mentoring, visiting, offering live insights, and shaping the curriculum to match real industry needs.
It’s a community effort to grow the next generation of skilled workers, right here in our region.
Our facilities
Our facilities provide a fully operational, realistic groundworks and civil engineering training environment, with all the tools, machinery, and materials you will use on the job, including:
ON-SITE EQUIPMENT
- Forward tipping dumpers
- Ride-on rollers
- Cement mixers
- Wacker plates
- 360-degree excavators
- Forward tipping dumpers
- Ride-on rollers
- Cement mixers
- Wacker plates
- 360-degree excavators
Not only do apprentices learn to confidently and safely use our equipment, they also complete the relevant qualifications, certifications and licences needed to jump straight into practical work on-site with an employer.
There are also modern classrooms with IT facilities, where apprentices learn the relevant theory behind practical work, and comfy spaces to spend time in during breaks.
Employer Partnerships
Working together to shape the future of construction training
Our employer partnerships, led by the CETC Employer Group, are at the heart of everything we do. By working closely with industry leaders, we ensure our programmes remain relevant, hands-on, and aligned with the real demands of Civil Engineering, Groundworks, and Highways. The group plays a vital role in shaping training that meets both current and future workforce needs—giving apprentices the strongest possible start in their careers
CETC Employer Group
The CETC Employer Group is an industry-led partnership driving the development of high-quality training in construction and civil engineering. Formed to ensure that CETC’s programmes reflect the real needs of the sector, the group plays a pivotal role in aligning training with current and future workforce demands.
The group operates across two tiers:
Strategic Employer Group – made up of employers, staff and external stakeholders who provide long-term vision and strategic direction.
Operational Employer Group – comprised of employers who are actively supporting apprentices and work-based learning, with growing involvement in shaping programme delivery.
How the group works
Meeting every other month, the employer group collaborates with curriculum, delivery, marketing, and support teams from the college group. This ongoing partnership ensures that training remains relevant, practical, and responsive to developments in the construction and civil engineering industries.
Key Contributions Include:
Reviewing and shaping curriculum to reflect industry standards and trends
Advising on training needs and programme structure
Providing guest talks and site insights to contextualise learning
Supporting site health and safety audits
Donating tools, materials, and equipment for use at the CETC training centre
