THE UK Government has announced £600 million worth of investment to train up to 60,000 more construction workers.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves made the announcement ahead of the spring statement, with the government adding that the investment will help build 1.5 million homes by the end of this parliament.
She continued, “We are determined to get Britain building again, that’s why we are taking on the blockers to build 1.5 million new homes and rebuild our roads, rail and energy infrastructure. But none of this is possible without the engineers, brickies, sparkies, and chippies to actually get the work done, which we are facing a massive shortage of.
“We’ve overhauled the planning system that is holding this country back, now we are gripping the lack of skilled construction workers, delivering on our plan for change to boost jobs and growth for working people.”
Ten new technical excellence colleges will be backed with £100 million, whilst £165 million of the funding will help colleges deliver more construction courses. Skills Bootcamps in the construction sector will also be expanded, with £100 million of funding to ensure new entrants, returners, or those looking to upskill within the industry will be able to do so.
All local skills improvement plan (LSIP) areas will benefit from £20 million to form partnerships between colleges and construction companies, to boost the number of teachers with construction experience in colleges. A further £100 million of government funding, alongside a £32 million contribution from the CITB will fund over 40,000 industry placements each year for all Level 2 and Level 3 learners, those studying NVQs, BTECs, T-levels, and advanced apprenticeships. An additional £80 million capital fund will support employers to deliver bespoke training based on their needs.
To ensure employers are able to work collaboratively to secure the workforce needed to meet future demand, the government will sponsor a new Construction Skills Mission Board. Co-chaired by government and by Mark Reynolds, executive chair of Mace, the board will be empowered to develop and deliver a construction skills action plan and provide strategic leadership to the construction sector.
Mark Reynolds said, “Understandably, construction firms across the country are looking for certainty of pipeline before they commit to investing in new jobs and skills – but this investment by the chancellor will be critical in giving them the confidence they need. There is now no excuse – industry must embrace the government’s growth mission and match their ambition.”
Tim Balcon, CITB chief executive, added, “We are delighted with the support the Government is giving the construction sector with increased investment. This package will provide vital support, where it is needed most – it will cut straight to the heart of the construction industry being able to address the challenge of building 1.5m new homes for people that desperately need them. As an industry, we now need to grasp this opportunity and play our part in delivering it. I genuinely believe this is a once-in-a-generation chance to us to recruit and train our workforce – equipping more people with the skills they urgently need now and in the future.”
