Ahead of the Spring Statement next week (Wednesday 26 March) the Chancellor has announced £600 million worth of investment to train up to 60,000 more skilled construction workers. The Government says that will deliver well paid jobs across the country and will help build 1.5 million homes to transform communities by the end of this Parliament.
Chancellor, Rachel Reeves said:
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.
The sector is facing significant shortages, with over 35,000 job vacancies in the sector. Many employers report that over half of vacancies can’t be filled due to a lack of required skills – the highest rate of any sector.
Mark Reynolds, Executive Chair Mace, Co-Chair of the Construction Skills Mission Board and Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership said:
This is fantastic news and demonstrates that Government is committed to working with the construction industry to deliver 1.5m homes by the end of this Parliament and its ambitious plans for infrastructure delivery. It’s a hugely significant funding package, and the establishment of the Construction Skills Mission Board will enable us to collaborate with Government to drive change at pace.
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.
