With the announcement of the government’s investments to tackle the skills shortage, industry experts have weighed in to discuss the reforms
The £600m skills package will cover the training of 60,000 bricklayers, electricians, and carpenters by 2029, through various means including Technical Excellence Colleges, more courses in existing colleges, and the Local Skills Improvement Plan.
Below are some reactions from key industry members regarding the announcement.
The Civil Engineering Contractors Association support the £600m skills package
The chief executive of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Alasdair Reisner, said: “Today’s announcement is great news for the industry and for all those people who will go on to well-paid, rewarding jobs in the construction sector.
“But more than that, it is a net positive for the UK economy, as it will unleash the talent we have in the UK to build a more prosperous future for communities across the country.
“Whether it is through the provision of new homes or the vital infrastructure society relies upon, the construction sector is a driver of economic growth and a creator of well-paid, sustainable, and secure jobs.
“This investment in skills is an investment in the future of our country and shows the UK Government is leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of growth.
“We look forward to working with CECA members, skills providers, and all other stakeholders to ensure the Government gets the biggest bang for its buck on this investment.
“CECA has been closely involved in the development of this Government support, and we will be working closely with businesses – both in our membership and in the wider construction sector – to make sure the skills are in place for building a stronger, more prosperous economy in the years ahead.”
The National Federation of Builders is pleased, but feels more support is needed
Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “The Chancellor has followed up her push for planning reform with considerable new funding to train more construction apprentices, demonstrating her understanding that without business certainty and high-quality training, new learners will struggle not only to be trained, but most importantly, to be retained.
“As SMEs train 73% of construction apprentices, the Chancellor now needs MHCLG, DEFRA. DESNZ, DfT, and DBT to support her ambitions. These departments must work together to ensure that SMEs, the trainers and retainers, are able to win pipelines of work so they can afford to take on apprentices, support their growth and establish meaningful careers.”
Rico Wojtulewicz, head of policy and market insight at NFB and the House Builders Association (HBA), said: “The Chancellor should be commended for recognizing that growth is primarily driven by business certainty and people, rather than tax breaks. Funding for colleges and trainers is particularly welcome, as they play a critical role in ensuring apprentices receive the highest-quality training.
“However, without support from other government departments, these ambitions will fail. Education reforms must not prohibit or deter experienced construction workers from teaching in colleges or academies simply because they are deemed unqualified. Planning reform must shift its focus beyond large developers onto the 99% of housebuilders who train 7 in 10 apprentices. Grid reforms need accelerating, with energy policy addressing construction challenges and costs. Both environmental and procurement policies require continuous review.
“For too long, years have been wasted trying to solve individual issues, and while we have already seen action from Labour to promote that, it is now time to get around the table and thrash out a deliverable strategy.”
The Home Builders Federation is ready to support the government with its plans
Neil Jefferson, chief executive at the Home Builders Federation (HBF), said: “The home building industry is committed to delivering the ambitions housing targets Government has set. If the other constraints to increasing supply can be addressed, most notably the market for the private and affordable homes we build, we will need tens of thousands of new highly skilled workers to deliver the homes we need.
“The sector is working hard to attract and retain its future workforce. The weekend announcement of further funding for construction skills and the targeted initiatives to support colleges better train tomorrow’s workforce, and to help SMEs take on more apprentices are very welcome.
“We stand ready to play a full role in the Governments Construction Skills Mission Board and to engage directly on house building specific skills issues such that we can create a framework that allows us to deliver.
“Further interventions will be needed if we are to be able to build 300,000 homes a year, but the industry stands ready to work with Government to develop and implement these to ensure we have the capacity we need.
“The calibre of young people coming into the industry is hugely encouraging. Home building provides a huge number of fantastic and rewarding career routes and it’s great to highlight the work these new recruits are doing at our parliamentary Skills Reception.”
DBR are asking if these reforms will be enough
Adrian Attwood, executive director of DBR, said: “Investment in skills is welcome, but rejuvenating the construction sector will take more than just a cash injection. We need a fundamental shift in how construction is perceived, as a sector of national importance, not an afterthought. Careers in construction need an image makeover including highlighting the routes to specialist sectors such as heritage restoration and sustainable construction and retrofitting.
“Young people need to see the value, creativity, and purpose in these careers. But it’s also incumbent on us as an industry to change perceptions, championing apprenticeships, mentorships, and success stories. The rewards are huge – financially, professionally, and culturally. If we want the next generation to take up the tools, we must show them why it’s worth it.”
The Clarion Housing Group are ready to lend their support
Clare Miller, chief executive of the Clarion Housing Group, said: “With a pipeline of more than 20,000 new homes here at Clarion, we are keen to work closely with the government to overcome planning, funding, and regulatory challenges impacting the sector’s ability to deliver the new homes the country needs.
“We welcome the announcement of additional funding to train up the next generation of construction workers, helping to tackle the skills gap that has been holding us back for so long. Deployed in the right way and delivered in partnership with housing associations and key construction industry stakeholders, this will help us unlock some of the homes in our development pipeline and provide opportunities for our residents.
“We are committed to continuing our collaboration with the government to help meet its ambitious target of building 1.5m new homes, making a huge difference to the lives of so many.”
