CoTrain - Shared Apprenticeship Services

02/09/2026

Brandon Engert, a Level 2 Bricklayer has passed his apprenticeship with a distinction.

During his time with CoTrain, Brandon with his friend Tyler raised money for Mental Health UK with a skydive fundraiser.

Brandon won South Hampshire College Group’s Apprentice Rising Star award at their Apprenticeship Awards.

He was also part of the BBC DIY SOS "The Big Build" in Southampton – a high-impact, nationally recognised community project that transforms lives through the power of construction and collaboration.

Brandon has been hosted by Broadwin and GP Masonry and is now self-employed.

We wish Brandon every success for the future and look forward to seeing all that he goes on to achieve!

27/08/2026

We’re thrilled to celebrate Helen Banning, who has now been with CoTrain for two years!

Helen receives superb feedback from her apprentices, who really value the support and guidance she provides. Helen also works with our training providers and host employers to ensure our apprentices are successful throughout their time with CoTrain.

Helen does a fantastic job and we’re so glad to have her as part of the team. Her dedication and positive impact are hugely appreciated.

Congrats Helen and we are so grateful for the work you do!

25/08/2026

CoTrain’s Programme Director, Charmaine Holland, recently spoke to the BBC about the urgent need for more construction apprenticeship opportunities.

With a growing skills shortage across the sector, employers have an important role to play in helping develop the next generation of construction talent.

At CoTrain, our shared apprenticeship model helps employers provide valuable on-site experience while supporting apprentices throughout their training.

Read the full article:

The head of an agency that employs apprentices says it is becoming harder to find work for young people.

18/08/2026

We are proud to announce that Sarah Hall has been with CoTrain for two years!

Sarah’s role involves supporting apprentices, working closely with training providers, and collaborating with contractors to deliver successful placements.

Her dedication and passion for developing opportunities in construction apprenticeships have been a huge asset to our team and to the apprentices she works with. Her apprentices have nothing but wonderful feedback for Sarah and the help and support she delivers.

Thank you, Sarah, for all your hard work at CoTrain!

10/08/2026

Apprentice placements required.

CoTrain currently has some great experienced apprentices for new or ongoing placements in construction site supervisors, electricians, bricklayers, plumbers and civil engineers. These apprentices are available short or long term.

Using CoTrain makes managing apprentices easier, more cost effective and helps deliver 95% completion results.

We are looking for hosts based in Southampton & Oxford, please contact Mark Pope, our Business Development & Apprenticeship Manager on 07483 172916.

07/08/2026

Congrats to Dylan on successfully completing two years with CoTrain and taking the next step in his career with Galliford Try in September. Dylan has secured a permanent position with Galliford Try, where he will continue his development through a Level 6 Traineeship.

Dylan is currently completing his Level 4 Site Supervisor apprenticeship, developing not only the technical knowledge required for the role but also valuable skills in confidence, communication, and decision-making.

Dylan spoke highly of the support he received from his Apprenticeship Manager, Sarah Hall, who was always on hand to offer guidance and encouragement. He particularly valued the regular site visits and check-ins, which helped him stay on track throughout his apprenticeship.

His experience has been so positive that he has even recommended a friend to begin their apprenticeship with CoTrain!

We wish Dylan every success in this exciting new chapter and look forward to seeing all he achieves in the future.

04/08/2026

Every successful construction project relies on logistics.

It’s what keeps sites safe, efficient, and sustainable.

Yet, logistics is often managed by people with no formal training meaning their real expertise gets diverted elsewhere.

We’re changing that.

After two successful intakes on the HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd project, Barnet and Southgate College, Cidori, and CoTrain are launching another Construction Logistics Apprenticeship cohort in September 2026.

➡️ A structured 14-month programme + assessment
➡️ A gateway to professional recognition in logistics
➡️ A career with multiple growth pathways

We’re inviting you to get involved.

Contact Mark Pope (CoTrain Business Development Manager) at
📧 [email protected]
📞 07483 172916

31/07/2026

CoTrain is a proud member of the Built Environment Shared Apprenticeship Service (BESAS), a national collaboration of six not-for-profit shared apprenticeship services dedicated to promoting flexi-job apprenticeships in the construction sector across England.

Together we bring the expertise and commitment of
EN:Able Futures, TrAC, CoTrain, Shared Apprenticeships South West, Calico Enterprise and Evolve Apprenticeships. Together we cover the the whole of England.

BESAS is dedicated to showcasing the best in shared apprenticeships in the construction sector. The consortium will provide a national voice for flexi-job apprenticeships, engage in lobbying efforts, share best practices, and encourage collaboration among industry players.

Flexi-job apprenticeships offer an alternative to the traditional apprenticeship model and have been designed by Government to ensure those sectors and occupations where short-term contracts or other non-standard employment models are the norm, can access the benefits of apprenticeships by allowing businesses the flexibilities they need.

Find out more here:

Discover apprenticeship opportunities across the UK. Connect with trusted local training partners in your area and kick-start your career.

23/07/2026

Every great business leader can name someone who gave them a chance early in their career.

That’s exactly what apprenticeships are about - giving motivated people the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive while adding real value to your business.

Apprentices bring curiosity, fresh ideas, and commitment. With the right support, they become some of the most loyal and skilled employees you’ll have.

By investing in apprentices, you’re not just shaping careers. You’re shaping the future of your business.

CoTrain makes it easy for you to take on an apprentice, take a look at the services we offer below or contact Mark Pope on 07483 172916 for more information.