Giving Back: Lofty Heights CIC
Working in partnership with Lofty Heights CIC, leading regional building contractor Barnes Construction has recently sponsored a construction training initiative, giving young people in Lowestoft an opportunity to see and experience the different skilled trades within the industry.
Taking place at Inspire Colville House on School Road in Lowestoft, the Barnes Construction Multi Skills Academy Course was held over a six-week period in the autumn of 2025, and introduced attendees to painting and decorating, plastering, basic woodwork, tiling and working at heights. In addition, they were given the opportunity to visit two of the company’s flagship projects in the town – the transformation of the former Lowestoft Post Office for East Suffolk Council and the regeneration of the Town Hall for Lowestoft Town Council – and received help with writing their CVs and their interview technique.
On completion, they achieved first aid and working at heights qualifications, together with their CSCS card – a pre-requisite for the UK construction industry that proves a worker has the correct training and qualifications for their job.
Claire Flowers, Education Manager at Lofty Heights, says: “We’re absolutely delighted to have worked in partnership with Barnes Construction to offer young people in Lowestoft the opportunity to take part in our multi-skills course. Through this programme, participants have gained valuable qualifications, all of which will help them to take those vital first steps into the construction industry.”
Course feedback
Fergus and Kallum are two of the young people who took part.
Fergus said: “The course was great. We did plastering and basic carpentry, and I even built my first toolbox. It’s been great to have a local offer which is accessible. It put some structure and purpose into my day and I met some new people as part of the process.”
Kallum added: “I’ve been struggling to find work locally, so when this opportunity to attend a course to gain more skills and qualifications, including my CSCS Card, presented itself locally in Lowestoft, I jumped at it. I really enjoyed the practical sessions and I met some good lads.”
A growing partnership
Throughout 2025, Barnes Construction has been working alongside the not-for-profit social enterprise, Lofty Heights, on various initiatives to support those with a NEET (not in education, employment, or training) background. The joint venture is part of the Suffolk company’s continuing mission to make a positive contribution through both their buildings and support for local causes, and it supports the CIC’s valuable work to improve the chances of young people who would otherwise have struggled to find work and develop the skills they need to thrive.
Mark Bailey, Divisional Director at Barnes Construction, said: “Social value has been at the core of our business operations since 1978. Our aim is to leave a positive legacy where we have worked – not just through delivering exceptional buildings, but by unlocking long-term value for communities. Hence we see a real value and purpose in what Lofty Heights is doing, and that is why we decided to sponsor one of the construction multi-skills academy courses in the Lowestoft region. This initiative is a great way for us to help the communities in which we operate to grow and develop.”
If you would like to find out more about Lofty Heights Skills Academy and the courses it runs, to help prepare young people for the workforce, email Claire@lofty-heights.org or visit www.lhskillsacademy.org
