As the government rigorously sticks to its 1.5m home pledge, Dave Dargan, CEO of the Starship Group, discusses how he thinks improving knowledge of modular construction in homebuilding hubs will be key to delivering this target
This new government has always been keen to emphasise how dedicated it is to deliver its target of 1.5m new homes during its premiership. That said, I have always questioned how this ambitious goal could be achieved without additional investment in tackling the ongoing construction skills shortage. Over the years, a large exodus of highly skilled labour has compounded this challenge, leaving the sector grappling with a widening skills gap.
The government’s recent pledge to invest £140m in establishing a total of 32 dedicated Homebuilding Skills Hubs is a promising step forward. This initiative, which aims to create 5,000 additional construction apprenticeship places a year, signals a much-needed focus on developing a future workforce. If implemented effectively, this scheme could spark a remarkable change in the industry.
However, its success hinges on these hubs delivering hands-on, practical training that equips young people with the skills and confidence to pursue meaningful careers in construction. I see these hubs as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape not just the workforce by giving apprentices vital skills to boost homebuilding but also the way we think about homebuilding itself while driving forward the government’s growth mission.
Modular construction: the future of housing
Modular homebuilding is no longer a niche concept; it is disrupting the industry thanks to its manageable costs and reduced environmental impact. It is the future of the housing sector. By constructing homes in factory-controlled settings, modern methods of construction allow for precision and sustainability that traditional construction simply cannot match. At a time when housing demand far outstrips supply, modular construction provides the ability to deliver high-quality homes at scale.
Despite its clear advantages, modular construction remains underrepresented in training programmes. The proposed skills hubs must address this gap by prioritising education in modular techniques. This focus will ensure that the next generation of construction professionals is equipped to embrace innovative solutions that can help the industry thrive.
The role of Homebuilding Skills Hubs in shaping the future workforce
The government-funded Homebuilding Skills Hubs provide a vital opportunity to rethink how we introduce young people to construction careers. Beyond traditional bricklaying or carpentry, training hubs should now include exposure to digital tools and the technologies increasingly used in modular housing factories. This approach not only makes careers in construction more appealing to more tech-literate young people who may consider working on a traditional building site less appealing but also properly equips them for an industry that is changing rapidly.
Practical experience must be at the heart of these hubs. It’s pivotal for students to gain hands-on training in modular manufacturing, learning the intricacies of prefabrication, assembly, and sustainable design. Partnering with modular developers like Starship can provide invaluable real-world experience, bridging the gap between classroom learning and on-site application.
Investing in modular homebuilding techniques is not just about meeting housing targets; it’s about creating a resilient, future-proof workforce. Modular construction requires a diverse range of skills, from engineering and architecture to project management and logistics, while being acutely aware of sustainable building practices. By embedding these disciplines into the government’s Homebuilding Skills Hubs, we can attract a wider talent pool. Focusing on modular housing also aligns with the government’s levelling-up agenda, as large factories are often located in regions that need regeneration, providing a chance to create jobs and stimulate local economic growth, which the next generation can capitalise on.
Focusing on modular housing also aligns seamlessly with the government’s plan to ‘power up Britain’, as large manufacturing factories are often situated in regions prime for regeneration. These factories present an opportunity to create jobs, drive local economic growth, and provide the next generation with valuable opportunities to thrive in revitalised communities.
Meeting housing targets through innovation
The housing crisis is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Achieving the target of 1.5m new homes will demand not only ambition but also investment in the next generation of construction professionals. To build homes that are sustainable and fit for the future, we must prioritise modular construction within these Homebuilding Skills Hubs.
The success of this initiative lies in its execution. By prioritising modular techniques, the government can ensure that the next generation is adequately equipped to close the skills gap.. By working together, these Homebuilding Skills Hubs can create a resilient construction sector ready to deliver sustainable communities for future generations.
