Trainees from Craft Training visited Braidwater Group’s The Cashel development recently to gain first-hand experience of the building process behind Northern Ireland’s largest housing development.
The Craft Training group at The Cashel recently for an educational visit.
The trainees, who are primarily studying joinery, building, plastering and painting, had the opportunity to explore a live construction site and learn how the different trades work together to deliver new homes. The educational visit provided an overview of each stage of the build, from initial groundworks and structural construction through to internal trades, finishing works and completion.
The visit was organised in partnership with Craft Training, a Northern Ireland training provider dedicated to helping individuals develop practical skills, achieve recognised qualifications and progress into employment or further training. Through programmes including Skills for Life and Work and ApprenticeshipsNI, Craft works closely with employers to equip trainees with the knowledge, experience and confidence needed to build successful careers across a range of industries, including construction.
During the site tour, trainees had the opportunity to learn about site operations, health and safety, construction sequencing, quality standards and the importance of effective coordination between trades. The experience also highlighted how their individual skills contribute to the wider construction process and the successful delivery of new homes.
Darren Farnan of Braidwater Group said:
“We were delighted to welcome the trainees from Craft Training to The Cashel development. There is no substitute for getting young people onto a live construction site and allowing them to see first-hand how the building process works.
“At Braidwater Group, we recognise the importance of investing in the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The construction industry relies on talented, motivated individuals, and initiatives like this help bridge the gap between training and employment. By giving trainees real exposure to the industry, we hope to inspire them, build their confidence and help them understand the opportunities available as they develop their careers.”
Lee Foley of Craft Training added:
“Visits like this are hugely beneficial for our trainees because they bring everything they are learning into a real-world setting. It’s one thing to develop skills in a training environment, but seeing those skills being applied on a live construction site gives trainees a much better appreciation of the standards, teamwork and planning involved.
“At Craft Training, our focus is on preparing people for the realities of working in industry and giving them the best possible foundations for their future careers. Opportunities like this, made possible through the support of employers such as Braidwater Group, are invaluable in helping trainees connect their learning with the workplace and see the potential career paths ahead of them.”
The visit reflects the shared commitment of the Braidwater Group and Craft Training to supporting skills development, strengthening links between training providers and employers, and encouraging the next generation of construction professionals.
By opening its sites to trainees and providing opportunities to engage directly with the construction process, the Braidwater Group continues to play an important role in promoting careers within the industry and helping to develop the skilled workforce needed to support the future of housebuilding across Northern Ireland.
Some more images from Craft Training’s visit:
