A new Construction Skills Mission Board meets for the first time today with an ambitious aim of attracting 100,000 new workers into the industry.
Co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council, the board will spearhead efforts to tackle labour shortages and future-proof the workforce.
The board will work closely with industry leaders and government departments to develop initiatives that encourage recruitment, training, and long-term careers in construction. It will focus on five key areas:
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Boosting confidence to employ and invest
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Creating clear pathways for new entrants
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Improving access to training and support
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Developing more effective funding mechanisms
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Promoting construction as a reliable and rewarding career
The Department for Work and Pensions has also announced that Jobcentres will strengthen their links with construction employers, helping jobseekers access work experience and tailored placements.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “The construction sector is on the frontline in our mission to grow the economy, giving more people skilled jobs building the homes and infrastructure we need.
The Construction Skills Mission Board will make sure we hear directly from employers about what their skills needs are, driving our reforms and helping more young people achieve and thrive.”
From August, a new wave of construction foundation apprenticeships will launch as part of the government’s Youth Guarantee initiative. Backed by an additional £40 million in funding, the programme will offer practical, early-career training in trades such as bricklaying and carpentry.
Mark Reynolds said: “The Construction Skills Mission Board represents a new partnership between industry and government, working together to find industry-led, collaborative solutions to delivering the workforce of the future.
I am delighted that we have seen such strong support from Ministers and some of the most important leaders in our sector – and I hope everyone will play their part in the delivery of this essential mission.”
The board’s launch follows growing concerns across the construction sector about an ageing workforce and increasing demand for skilled labour.
The new initiatives are designed to bridge the skills gap and build a pipeline of talent equipped to support the UK’s long-term housing and infrastructure goals.
