The academy takes a holistic approach to learning, combining classroom-based education with physical development, leadership skills, and practical experience. Its state-of-the-art facilities mirror a real construction site, giving learners a safe, realistic environment to train and gain the qualifications needed to become site-ready.

NOCN Group has worked with Hercules for the past four years, supporting the academy through the delivery of industry-recognised qualifications. These include a strong focus on construction qualifications, alongside a blend of Health and Safety qualifications, NVQs, Streetworks and assured courses. NOCN Group has also worked collaboratively with Hercules to develop bespoke assured courses that respond directly to industry needs.

As an Independent Training Provider, Hercules deliver practical, industry-recognised training that prepares learners for immediate employment. For Hercules, their priority is ensuring that learners leave with qualifications that are not only compliant but also valued by employers. The construction sector demands hands-on experience and certifications that act as prerequisites for employment. Without this, workforce readiness and mobility, especially internationally, would be compromised.

Hercules partnered with NOCN Group due to our relationship with industry partners and our responsive approach to qualification development, as Head of Training, Paul Blakeman explains:

“I feel the qualifications are suited to industry and what we need as a sector in construction. NOCN Group listens to if there’s anything we need, and I think that’s the key to a successful partnership. They’re responsive to industry.”

 

The scale of the partnership continues to grow. In the last year alone, Hercules registered learners on over 500 NOCN courses and qualifications, reflecting both the demand for high-quality, industry-aligned training and the strength of the collaboration.

The qualifications that Hercules delivers have resulted in tangible benefits, including:

• Workforce readiness: Learners graduate with qualifications that enable them to step straight into employment.
• Practical confidence: Training includes hands-on elements, boosting learner confidence and competence on-site.
• Global recognition: NOCN qualifications are recognised in the UK and internationally, enabling learners to gain mobility across Europe and beyond.

“Our learners leave here with industry-recognised qualifications that enable them to go straight into work. NOCN offer qualifications that are prerequisites to employment, and that’s what’s key for our workforce.”

“Internationally, NOCN is recognised in many more countries now, so they can take what we deliver in the UK and feel confident if they leave the UK, and work in Europe and further afield.”

 

The partnership with Hercules Training Academy demonstrates how responsive, industry-aligned qualifications can transform workforce readiness and open global opportunities.