Government Backs Plan to Recruit 100,000 Builders a Year
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The United Kingdom faces a significant challenge in filling skills gaps across the construction sector. With major housing and infrastructure projects planned, the need for a steady supply of skilled workers has never been greater. Ensuring a robust pipeline of trained professionals is vital if the country is to meet its ambitious target of building 1.5 million new homes and delivering a ten-year infrastructure strategy. As demand for new homes and modernised infrastructure grows, government and industry leaders are joining forces to strengthen training pathways and widen access to long-term, rewarding construction careers.
Government initiatives and investments driving change
At the centre of this effort is a multi-billion-pound investment under the Plan for Change. The government has committed £39 billion over the next ten years to expand affordable and social housing, alongside £100 million to fund over 40,000 industry placements. The Construction Skills Mission Board, launched with support from senior ministers and industry CEOs, will steer these efforts and ensure alignment between employers and training providers.
In partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Jobcentres across the country will collaborate directly with construction employers to provide work experience, tailored placements and entry routes into the industry. This is reinforced by the government’s £1 billion employment support package to help disabled people and those with health conditions into secure work, quadrupling the previous budget.
Expanding apprenticeships and training opportunities
Key to meeting workforce demands is the introduction of new construction foundation apprenticeships, set to launch this August with £40 million in additional funding. These apprenticeships form part of the government’s Youth Guarantee, designed to ensure every young person has a clear pathway into work or further training. From bricklaying to carpentry, these routes will provide practical skills alongside employability training, opening up career options to those who might not have otherwise considered a role in the industry.
Sector-based Workplace Academy Programmes (SWAPs) will also play a vital role in this transformation. With more than 100,000 SWAPs expected this year alone, the scheme offers jobseekers practical training, on-the-job placements and guaranteed interviews with employers. These programmes have already proven successful in helping people remain in work and progress in their careers.
Strengthening the link between skills and housing delivery
The government’s commitment to tackling the housing shortage is intrinsically linked to the availability of skilled labour. The Construction Skills Mission Board aims to recruit 100,000 additional construction workers each year for the rest of this Parliament, creating a workforce capable of delivering major housing projects and large-scale infrastructure works nationwide.
Key industry figures have voiced their support for this approach. Tim Balcon, CEO of CITB, emphasised the importance of ensuring that training leads directly to secure, long-term careers. Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council, highlighted the need for industry and government to work closely together to find solutions that address both immediate and future skills gaps.
Through a renewed focus on apprenticeships, targeted placements and strong partnerships between government, training providers and employers, thousands more people will be equipped with the skills they need to thrive in construction. The result will be not only new jobs and secure employment but also progress towards affordable housing goals and the delivery of vital national infrastructure.
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