Cinderford-based construction training centre AccXel has announced a new partnership with the National Federation of Builders (NFB).

Developed by the industry, for the industry, AccXel aims to accelerate learning and equip men and women with knowledge and practical experience of the latest technological advances in sustainability and digital construction.

The pioneering centre is co-funded by K W Bell Group and the Government's Getting Building Funding awarded by Gloucestershire's Local Enterprise Partnership (GFirst LEP).

With more than 33 employer partners already secured, AccXel said it was looking to further strengthen its connections to the industry.

It said that securing a partnership with an industry body like NFB, formed with the sole purpose to enforce real change within the sector, was a natural next step for the centre.

A spokesperson from AccXel said: "This partnership is unlike any other! NFB has declared that AccXel will be an official training provider, however we will be primarily working together to change the public perception of our industry and encourage more people to pursue careers in the sector.

"During partnership talks, we also discovered that our goals were aligned in regards to improving the mental health in construction, health and safety regulations and the overall welfare of employees."

Danny Clarke, NFB's commercial director, said: "I am incredibly excited about our partnership with AccXel, I believe both organisations are passionate about the same topics and together we will be able to create the change that the industry needs to keep bringing people into the industry and retain the current workforce. I very much look forward to seeing how we work together to implement the necessary change."

NFB and AccXel will also be co-creating a podcast, discussing everything to do with the construction sector.

"I am thrilled to be working alongside Danny on the podcast" says Katie Hathaway, head of Business Engagement and Communication at AccXel.

"Both of us have had extremely different experiences working in construction, but still share a lot of the same views about the issues plaguing our sector. We know that our dynamic, as well as our personal experiences of working in construction will definitely make for a really good listen."