Mark Farmer’s review of the two Industry Training Boards to transform the construction workforce is a much-needed blueprint to address the skills crisis and get Britain building, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the publication of the ‘Transforming the Construction Workforce 2023 Industry Training Boards (ITB) Review.’
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said, “For too long the construction industry has been plagued by an ongoing skills crisis which is holding back economic growth. The urgent need to build new infrastructure projects and deliver much needed housing won’t happen unless there is radical review of the training landscape – the Mark Farmer report shows the way forward.”
Berry continued,” The report’s recognition that the Industry Training Boards need to stay will allow for stability, but we fully support the frank assessment that things need to change if we are to have a modern workforce to meet the needs of a modern economy. The proposed refresh of construction occupational and qualification standards is long overdue, as is the need for the Industry Training Boards to review their scope to take account of new markets within the construction sector - most notably the retrofit market.”
Berry concluded, “If the Government is to deliver its ambitious infrastructure and housing targets, then it makes sense for them to implement the Mark Farmer report in full.”
