Operator Skills Hub
Exploring the Operator Skills Hub - a purpose-built training facility designed to address the skills shortage in the UK's construction and infrastructure sectors.
At the end of last year, Steven Broadbent - Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, and Thomas Broom - Cabinet Member for Transport, joined representatives from the Buckinghamshire Highways Alliance, (incl. Buckinghamshire Council, Balfour Beatty Living Places and AtkinsRéalis) to visit the Operator Skills Hub in Iver.
What is the Operator Skills Hub?
The Operator Skills Hub is a purpose-built training facility designed to address the skills shortage in the UK's construction and infrastructure sectors. Established in 2021 as a joint venture between Balfour Beatty Living Places and Flannery Plant Hire, the Hub delivers innovative, accredited training programmes for plant operators and those entering the highways and construction industries. The Iver site is one of several hubs across the UK, offering both permanent and pop-up training solutions.
The Hub's mission is to inspire and upskill new entrants, career changers, and existing professionals, equipping them with the practical experience and industry-recognised qualifications needed for today's digitally enabled construction environment. Training includes the use of state-of-the-art simulators and real-world equipment, with a strong focus on safety, productivity, and diversity.
Highlights from the visit
During the visit, the group learned about the “Skills for Life” Bootcamps; free, government-funded training courses developed in partnership with employers to meet real job market needs. These bootcamps provide local residents with the opportunity to gain qualifications in areas such as excavation, traffic management, utility detection, and first aid. Read how Buckinghamshire's programme has exceeded national targets for the past three years!
The Hub also plays a key role in supporting social value initiatives, including training for ex-offenders, service leavers, and care leavers, and has already helped hundreds of learners secure employment with leading contractors. The facility has received recognition for its excellence in social value and training, and continues to build a lasting skills legacy in the local area.
The visit concluded with a discussion on how Buckinghamshire Highways and its partners can continue to support and benefit from the Operator Skills Hub, ensuring a skilled, diverse, and resilient workforce for the future.
Cllr Broom and Cllr Broadbent at the Operator Skills Hub, Iver
Cllr Broom and Cllr Broadbent trialling the training devices at the Operator Skills Hub, Iver
Buckinghamshire College Group launched T Level Civil Engineering courses in September 2025.
These courses have been designed in collaboration with Buckinghamshire Highways and look to prepare students for a range of roles in the ever-evolving world of construction, surveying and civil engineering. The expertise and resources of our own teams and the wider Buckinghamshire Highways alliance members, AtkinsRéalis and Balfour Beatty Living Places, offers students invaluable industry insight and practical experience that will equip them to excel in civil engineering careers. The courses also seek to foster local talent, enhance job opportunities and develop a skilled workforce throughout the region.
Good luck and happy learning to all those studying this year!