Mears Group Donates Equipment to RNN Group

RNN Group and Mears Group have strengthened their long-standing partnership through a significant donation of construction equipment. Many pieces of professional-grade equipment have been transferred to RNN Group, directly benefiting students across multiple trades.

The donation spans key vocational areas including plumbing, plastering, bricklaying, and joinery, supporting RNN Group’s continued expansion of its construction training programmes. The contribution ensures that learners have access to modern, industry-standard tools, helping to better prepare them for real-world working environments.

With demand for skilled workers in the UK construction sector continuing to rise, access to high-quality training resources remains a critical challenge for education providers. This partnership demonstrates how collaboration between industry and education can help address that gap while supporting local communities.

For Mears Group, the initiative reflects a strong commitment to social value and workforce development. By investing in the next generation of tradespeople, the organisation is playing an active role in tackling the construction skills shortage while creating meaningful opportunities for learners.

RNN Group has welcomed the donation as a valuable enhancement to its training provision. Working closely with an established industry partner enables the college to keep its curriculum aligned with current employer needs, ensuring students graduate with relevant, job-ready skills.

Donna-Marie Robertson, Head of Learning at Mears Group, says:

“At Mears, we’re committed to investing in the future of the construction workforce. We’re proud to support RNN Group through this donation, which provides students with industry-standard equipment that closely reflects real workplace conditions and helps bridge the gap between education and employment. In our Rotherham branch alone, we have 18 apprentices through our long-standing relationship with the RNN Group. This partnership plays a vital role in ensuring our apprentices make the most of their journey with Mears.”

James Godsell, Director of Apprenticeships and Employee Engagement at the RNN Group, added

“This generous donation from Mears Group makes a real difference to our learners. Having access to industry-standard equipment allows students to train in environments that closely reflect the workplace, building both confidence and competence. Partnerships like this are vital in ensuring we can continue to deliver high-quality training that meets the needs of employers and supports the future of the construction workforce. By aligning shared priorities—skills development, community investment, and industry growth—Mears Group and RNN Group continue to demonstrate a collaborative model that delivers tangible benefits for students, educators, employers, and the wider economy.”