Since joining FMB I have visited Craven, York, Doncaster and Hartlepool colleges and Leeds College of building. There is much to be optimistic about, talking to young learners at the start of their construction careers (just like I am!) and seeing the influx of talent to industry from Further Education. Construction skills are in the spotlight this month nationally, perhaps more than ever.
1. New construction skills mission board launched
This month, the inaugural Construction Skills Mission Board took place, launching industry and government commitments to recruit 100,000 more construction workers per year by the end of this Parliament, backed by:
- £625 million to tackle skills shortages.
- 40,000+ industry placements for learners, funded by £100 million government spending and a further £32 million contribution from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
- £40 million funding for new construction foundation apprenticeships.
- Expanded workplace training through Sector Based Workplace Academy Programmes.
- A new partnership between Jobcentres and industry to give more people the skills they need to start fulfilling careers.
This marks a major investment in the construction workforce, with more routes into the industry and support for hands-on training. For FMB members, it’s a step in the right direction to addressing the recruitment issues that our members face. Nurturing new talent can be the ticket to building a highly skilled team from the ground up - whether by offering placements, shaping local training provision, or helping to grow the next generation of skilled workers. If you're unsure where to start, we’re here to help.
2. Colleges compete to lead as centres of excellence
Colleges across the UK are bidding to become a Construction Technical Excellence Centre (CTEC) - one in each region plus one extra is planned by the Government.
5 CTEC objectives:
- Boost construction skills provision in direct response to local and national employer needs.
- Deliver high-quality teaching practice and curricula in construction courses, including continuous professional development for staff, with an emphasis on site integration and employer input.
- Leverage employer engagement and investment in construction skills provision.
- Collaboration with other further education (FE) providers to boost construction provision and quality both locally and nationally.
- Clear pathways for learners to progress into work in the construction industry or into higher level education construction courses.
3. More funding now available for hosting T Level placements
Employers who host T Level placements gain access to fresh talent and new perspectives while developing the future workforce.
The Employer Support Fund (ESF) is designed to help businesses deliver high-quality T Level industry placements by covering essential costs associated with hosting students.
The ESF represents a significant opportunity for employers to develop their future workforce while receiving financial support to offset the investment required when hosting T Level students. This funding will help bridge the skills gap in key sectors and create valuable pathways into industry for talented young people.
The Employer Support Fund is available to:
- All employers hosting industry placements for Health T Levels or placements in the Construction route, regardless of business size.
- Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) hosting placements for all other T Level subjects (For eligibility purposes, an SME is defined as a business with fewer than 250 employees AND either annual turnover not exceeding £44 million or a balance sheet total not exceeding £38 million).
The ESF is specifically designed to support costs directly related to hosting T Level students, including:
- Administrative set up, physical workspace, and digital access expenses (including IT system set up and employer travel for simulated activities).
- Mandatory equipment, PPE, and specialist tools (such as safety gear, uniforms, scientific equipment, and clinical training access).
- Essential training and security requirements (including health and safety training, site inductions, ID passes, and DBS checks).
- Workstation setup and necessary accommodations to ensure students can participate effectively.
The fund will run until 31 March 2026, providing employers with the opportunity to incorporate T Level industry placements into their talent development strategy. We encourage all eligible employers to explore this opportunity to support both their business needs and the skills development of young people. Find out more on the gov.uk website.
4. Regional portals open for work experience and training options
There are new portals available to register your work experience and study opportunities for those new to construction, check them out here:
- Register | Tees Valley Careers (Tees Valley)
- Register (North East)
- Register (West Yorkshire)
- https://careershub.yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/ (York & North Yorkshire)
Do you have any top tips for the best way to engage with younger learners? Let us know!
Authors
Carolyn Frank
Carolyn has wide ranging experience of helping small businesses to thrive, and is passionate about skills, heritage buildings, retrofit and inclusivity.
