Construction apprentices are being given practical experience in system formwork through a training initiative delivered by PERI UK in partnership with The Skills Centre.
The programme enables students to attend “familiarisation day” sessions at PERI UK’s training and exhibition facility in Brentwood, Essex, where they are introduced to real-world formwork systems used on construction sites.
The initiative is designed to improve site readiness among apprentices by combining classroom learning with hands-on experience of construction equipment and processes.
Practical training focuses on system formwork and site applications
The training sessions are led by PERI UK field services manager Terry Hall and site supervisor Mark Addison, guiding apprentices through a range of system formwork solutions.
Participants work with equipment including panel formwork, soffit systems and more complex technologies such as hydraulic climbing systems and crane operations.
The sessions replicate real project scenarios, with apprentices taking part in a full-day workshop that includes both introductory theory and practical application in the showroom environment.
Terry Hall said: “We’re providing apprentices with the tools and training to be site-ready. These sessions aim to be as realistic as possible, and the bonus of panel formwork and panel soffit system education makes it stronger than you would get anywhere else.
These apprentices are getting practical experience and leave the facility with good, working knowledge.”
Industry focus on skills development and site readiness
The programme builds on an existing relationship between PERI UK and The Skills Centre, which already uses PERI systems such as DUO, DOMINO and SKYDECK within its training provision.
The approach reflects wider industry efforts to address skills shortages by improving practical training and ensuring apprentices are better prepared for site conditions.
The first training session took place in March 2026, with apprentices rotating through different systems and gaining exposure to equipment not typically available in classroom settings.
Danny Dadwal, construction tutor at The Skills Centre, said: “The training materials, demonstrations, and support were outstanding. Our apprentices were able to dive straight into practical learning, gaining hands-on experience with systems like MAXIMO, SKYDECK, and DUO, as well as climbing systems. This immersive approach gives them a wealth of knowledge and practical skills that directly benefit their work on site.”
Students attending the sessions reported increased understanding of modern construction methods and equipment.
Connor Eames, an apprentice who attended a training day, said: “We explored a hydraulic platform I hadn’t come across before. The way the hydraulics work, and how you can move multiple platforms at once, was fascinating.”
Fellow student Mark Breavington added: “I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I didn’t know this was even possible. These systems could save significant time and cost and really open your mind to what’s possible.”
Potential expansion of training into wider construction systems
Feedback from participants has been positive, with further discussions underway about extending the programme to include additional systems such as scaffolding.
Hall said: “The feedback from the apprentices has been extremely positive. In many cases, apprentices leave our workshop with more knowledge than some site operatives who haven’t had any system familiarisation or formal training, and so there’s a real appreciation of being afforded a taste of active, working environments.”
He added: “Our Brentwood facility is unique. Now with The Skills Centre and its students, there’s a clear appreciation that we are opening it up to share our skills and knowledge here for the betterment of the industry and those who will hopefully contribute to its advancement in the future.”
