Dandara, one of the UK’s leading independent housebuilders, recently joined forces with Aviva Investors, Milton Keynes College and Packaged Living to deliver an ambitious education initiative, aimed at giving young people in Milton Keynes real insight into careers in construction and property. The initiative was created and funded by Aviva
REGIONAL businesses have joined forces to expand education and training opportunities, tackling the growing construction skills gap and creating new entry routes for both young people and those upskilling across Yorkshire and the Humber. Stakeholders spanning building services, housing, construction, engineering, and manufacturing, alongside government agencies, charities, and training providers,
HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has welcomed its 500th apprentice, Kordell Carty. The 26-year-old Aston resident started his early career on house-building sites and supporting loft and garage conversion projects. Now, Kordell is helping to deliver Britain’s new high-speed railway as an apprentice formworker.
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) is delighted to announce its new partnership with The Skills Centre to deliver essential training and support for individuals pursuing careers in the finishes and interiors sector. This collaboration aims to address the growing skills shortage in construction, specifically in this sector, which faces
The infrastructure business will continue to leverage data to build new opportunities for both their employees and business, with training provided by Multiverse Infrastructure today announces that it will build out its data academy with Multiverse, following the success of its graduating apprenticeship cohort. In a move that will continue
The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) has announced a new event aimed at encouraging the next generation to consider careers within the professional cleaning industry. For the first time, the industry-leading Institute will host its inaugural BICSc Youth Event which will take place on July 9th, 2025. The one-day
Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is joining forces with Women in Construction Anglia to help bridge the gap between the industry and education, and encourage more women into construction roles. The new partnership comes as the government commits £600 million to address the construction sector’s skills shortage, with the aim of
Ahead of tomorrow’s Spring Statement the chancellor has announced she is injecting £600m into construction training. In response to this news, Andy Rayner, Director of Learning and Development at Travis Perkins Plc says: “It’s encouraging to see the Government recognising the importance of skilled trades in delivering the UK’s housing
University students who want to bolster their income and boost their skills are being offered the chance to join HS2’s construction partner in the West Midlands for an eight-week paid work placement. Now in its fourth year, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s undergraduate scheme gives students the chance to earn and gain
We welcome today’s construction skills announcement from the Chancellor, which aligns closely with the key objectives we’ve been championing through PfP Thrive. Rachel Reeves is absolutely right: we cannot meet the urgent need for 1.5 million new homes without a skilled construction and trades workforce to build them. This means
Dandara, one of the UK’s leading independent housebuilders, recently joined forces with Aviva Investors, Milton Keynes College and Packaged Living to deliver an ambitious education initiative, aimed at giving young people in Milton Keynes real insight into careers in construction and property. The initiative was created and funded by Aviva Investors with contributions from Dandara and Packaged Living to offer a bespoke careers programme to inspire young people in overcoming barriers and achieving their full career potential. It follows the announcement last year that Aviva Investors had funded the creation of 212 new family homes across two brand new communities in Shenley Wood and Whitehouse Park as part of a partnership with Packaged Living, which will be delivered by Dandara. Over seven weeks, 17 students studying a T-Level course in construction participated in a series of hands-on workshops, practical challenges and career-focused sessions designed to build skills, boost confidence and open doors to future opportunities in the industry. The standout session, The Big Build, saw students step into the role of property developers, constructing sustainable models using only the materials provided – with a budget of £30 million in mock capital to manage. From wooden pegs to lollipop sticks, creativity and sustainability were the name of the game. The more sustainable and resource-efficient the design, the higher the team scored – with the winning team selected by a judging panel from all three companies. Students not only tackled real-world issues like climate change and sustainable building practices, but also explored asset management and investment strategy, helping them to understand the wider ecosystem of the built environment. In what was a programme highlight; interview preparation sessions gave students invaluable insight into professional life – many having never sat an interview before. As a result, Dandara is now looking to offer work placements to T-Level students to create long-term pathways into the industry. Lesley Treacy, Head of ESG at Dandara, who supported several sessions and was a judge on the panel, said: “Working directly with the students has been a genuinely inspiring experience. Their enthusiasm, creativity and commitment to sustainability gave me great confidence in the next generation of construction professionals. At Dandara, we’re passionate about investing in future talent and ensuring the built environment evolves with fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. “The level of engagement we saw, especially during interview preparation and practical sessions, highlighted just how important real-world exposure is at this stage in a student’s development. The students showed an impressive understanding of sustainability and collaboration – two values at the core of what we do.” Ben Sanderson, Managing Director, Real Estate, at Aviva Investors, added: “We think it’s really important for investors to recognise the projects they fund do not sit in isolation. They are also a great opportunity for companies to interact with – and give back to – the local community and to add social value. Creating this initiative was a wonderful chance to meet young people in Milton Keynes who might have an interest in property or construction, to help nurture their enthusiasm and hopefully inspire the next generation to explore jobs in the industry. It was terrific to see how engaged they were and to show them the role these professions can play in helping the UK get ready for the future by investing into communities and having a positive impact on the surrounding areas.” The final feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, with 96% of students reporting, they are confident to extremely confident they have the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. The programme brought learning to life in a fun, interactive way that connected classroom theory with industry practice. At the end of the programme, each student received a certificate and credits towards their course, recognising their participation and achievements. As Dandara continues to expand its presence across the UK, its involvement in programmes like this reflects a genuine commitment to creating opportunities for young people and strengthening ties with the communities it serves. By working directly with students and educational partners, the company is helping to equip future talent with the skills, confidence and experience needed to thrive in the world of construction and beyond. To find out more about Dandara visit www.dandara.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
REGIONAL businesses have joined forces to expand education and training opportunities, tackling the growing construction skills gap and creating new entry routes for both young people and those upskilling across Yorkshire and the Humber. Stakeholders spanning building services, housing, construction, engineering, and manufacturing, alongside government agencies, charities, and training providers, came together last week at Leeds College of Building for the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Green Skills Advisory Panel (GSAP) in the region. GSAP is a UK-wide member-led initiative, with regional panels established to support the delivery of green skills and employment pathways needed to meet the national net zero targets. The Yorkshire and the Humber panel is the latest to launch, forming a dedicated hub to drive collaboration and impact locally. Founding members of the panel include EN:Able Communities, the charitable arm of housing consortium Efficiency North, Barnsley College, Leeds College of Building, Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd, and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. Simeon Perry, head of operations at EN:Able Communities, said: “It should come as no surprise that some of the sectors most in need of levelling up are those with the fewest opportunities. While it won’t happen overnight, real change is essential, especially in regions like ours, where the ambition is high but the solutions are few. “By joining forces with key construction businesses across Yorkshire and the Humber, we’re able to harness the power of collaboration to address the industry’s future capacity challenges. That means not just increasing headcount but also investing in and supporting the existing workforce.” With more than 13,000 new construction workers needed in North Yorkshire & York by 2031 to meet government targets, on top of West Yorkshire Combined Authority aiming to retrofit all social housing by 2038, requiring 838,000 heat pumps installed, 205,000 homes connected to heat networks and 569 megawatts of rooftop solar installed, the panel’s work is both timely and necessary. The group’s inaugural meeting marked the start of a collaborative journey to strengthen regional green talent pipelines, create accessible career routes, and support a workforce equipped to deliver a net zero future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has welcomed its 500th apprentice, Kordell Carty. The 26-year-old Aston resident started his early career on house-building sites and supporting loft and garage conversion projects. Now, Kordell is helping to deliver Britain’s new high-speed railway as an apprentice formworker. When work slowed down during and after Covid-19, Kordell began to explore new career opportunities. He learned about the formworking apprenticeship through a friend, who had applied for a steel fixing apprenticeship on HS2, and was keen to work on a large-scale project that would contrast with his house-building experience. Although the profession of formworking – creating the foundation elements used to make temporary and permanent concrete structures – was not an area of work he was familiar with, Kordell was drawn by the fact that he would be working on the prestigious HS2 project. With a level 2 apprenticeship qualification now underway, Kordell is currently based at the site of HS2’s River Blythe bypass bridge, working for Galldris as part of the BBV supply chain. Here, he is part of a 35-strong team building a structure that will allow the high-speed line to pass above a brook and a bypass channel of the River Blythe in Warwickshire. Kordell said: “The highlight of working on HS2 is being able to see first-hand the progress of the project. I’m taking in as much as possible – I’ve never worked on a construction site of this scale, and I was intrigued to see what it would be like! “My colleagues are great, and I really enjoy working onsite. In the future, I’m looking forward to seeing the finished railway and being able to say that I helped to build it.” As well as learning on the job, Kordell studies at BBV’s Warwickshire-based apprenticeship training hub. The dedicated hub was developed in direct response to a skills gap in the project, and the wider industry, and plays a pivotal role in ensuring workers are accredited and job-ready to support the construction programme. The facility opened its doors in 2023 to deliver steel fixing and formwork apprenticeship training. It has supported over 30 local jobseekers so far. BBV’s 100th apprentice, Benjamin Richards-Moss, who is based at the joint-venture’s Skills Academy in North Warwickshire, has gone on to secure a permanent job on HS2 following completion of his apprenticeship in business administration. Promoted to the role of Training Coordinator, Benjamin plays a key role in the administration function supporting the Skills Academy. He said: “Working for HS2 is one of the best things anyone can do. My advice would be to talk to people around you, get to know what the project is about and this way you will build a great support network. “The project is very exciting, and I believe it will transform the local economy and enhance social mobility between Birmingham and London.” HS2 will underpin the construction industry for years to come, bringing thousands of newly skilled people into the workforce. To date, 1,865 apprentices have joined HS2 and its supply chain – putting the project firmly on track to meet a target of generating at least 2,000 apprenticeships over the lifetime of the programme. Julie Venn-Morton, Senior Skills and Inclusion Manager at HS2 said: “Apprenticeships are crucial in helping us to deliver HS2 and integral to our drive to leave a lasting skills legacy for people in the West Midlands and beyond. “We are very proud to see BBV reach this milestone, which supports our mission to upskill the next generation of construction workers. We wish Kordell a very warm welcome to the project and congratulate Benjamin on successfully securing a permanent role on HS2.” HS2’s construction is now supporting more than 31,000 jobs – including apprenticeships, graduate trainees and through dedicated skills and employment programmes that support unemployed people back into work. Once operational, HS2 will improve connections between London and the West Midlands, with trains running further north on existing lines. The new high-speed railway will create quicker and more reliable journeys, driving economic growth while freeing up space for more local trains on the most congested part of the existing West Coast Main Line. For details about career and employment opportunities available with HS2 and its supply chain partners, visit hs2.org.uk/careers Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) is delighted to announce its new partnership with The Skills Centre to deliver essential training and support for individuals pursuing careers in the finishes and interiors sector. This collaboration aims to address the growing skills shortage in construction, specifically in this sector, which faces a critical demand for skilled workers. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the construction sector will require an additional 251,500 workers by 2028. Furthermore, 61% of FIS members report struggling to find skilled workers, highlighting the urgency of this partnership to address the skills gap. As the UK continues to invest in reaching its Net Zero targets, retrofit projects will increase, driving continued demand for insulation and drylining skills as the 2050 deadline approaches. Through this collaboration, The Skills Centre will deliver a series of Bootcamps designed to provide individuals with the hands-on training and industry-specific knowledge necessary to kickstart their careers in the finishes and interiors sector. These intensive programmes will bridge the gap between talent supply and employer demand, offering practical experience and career support to participants. The first offering will be an Introduction to Insulation and Drylining course, which is a free, eight-week programme. Successful participants will earn a Level 2 qualification. The training and qualifications* will include: -Cskills Level 1 Health & Safety -CITB CSCS Health & Safety Environment (Green Card) -Level 2 Understanding Domestic Retrofit -Level 2 Removing Non-Hazardous Waste in the Workplace (Blue Card) -Environmental awareness in the construction industry -Introduction to Interior Systems -Introduction to Passive Fire In addition, a new Drylining Apprenticeship will be available for pre-screened local candidates who have come through funded Bootcamps. This specialist training will cover Partition Walls, MF Ceilings, Grid Ceilings, Shaft Walls, Metsec Installation, Rainscreen Cladding and Passive Fire Protection. Employers in the finishes and interiors sector are encouraged to get involved and support the initiative by providing interview opportunities or offering work experience placements with a view to future employment. The initiative aims to support workforce development, create opportunities for career growth, and enhance the talent pipeline within the sector. Commenting on the initiative, FIS Head of Skills Beena Nana, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with The Skills Centre to enhance the support we provide to our members while tackling the growing skills shortages in our industry. This partnership enables us to combine resources and expertise, fostering opportunities for development, training, and growth, which will ultimately benefit our members and the broader community by addressing critical workforce challenges.” Sam Downton, Director at The Skills Centre added: “Our new partnership with FIS marks a significant step forward for the interior systems and drylining sector. This part of the industry plays a critical role in shaping the internal environments where we live, work, and learn—but it continues to face skills shortages and often flies under the radar as a long-term, rewarding career option. “Joining forces with FIS brings together their sector leadership and our expertise in delivering high-quality, hands-on training. Central to this partnership are our specialist Bootcamps, which are imperative for attracting new talent into the industry. They provide a direct route for individuals—many of whom are new to construction—to gain essential skills, site experience, and the confidence to move straight into employment. “For employers, these Bootcamps open up access to a wider, work-ready talent pool and offer a practical solution to workforce gaps. Together with FIS, we’re not only building stronger pathways into the sector, but also helping to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and skilled future for interior systems and drylining across London and Essex”. Employers can also attend planned visits to the following training centres to meet candidates and see the training in action: If you are an employer interested in attending any of these sessions or would like to support this initiative, please contact Beena Nana at beenanana@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077. For employers interested in finding out more about the Bootcamps and how they can get involved, a dedicated webinar will provide all the information needed to get started. *Actual qualifications delivered may vary based on employer demand at the time of delivery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The infrastructure business will continue to leverage data to build new opportunities for both their employees and business, with training provided by Multiverse Infrastructure today announces that it will build out its data academy with Multiverse, following the success of its graduating apprenticeship cohort. In a move that will continue to boost business potential through data-driven decision making, the upskilling initiative marks Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’s continued commitment to investing in its people. The forthcoming launch will bring the total number of employees who have enrolled on digital and data programmes with Multiverse to 80. Impact across the business has been substantial since the inception of the academy. The most recent cohort saw a 14% increase in individual efficiency during the programme – equating to more than 7,200 hours saved per year. Apprentices have used improved data skills to drive tangible business outcomes, from mitigating weather-related project delays, to reducing workplace safety incidents, to increasing visibility of potential quality issues. Following their completion of the programme, 86% of the graduating cohort achieved a distinction. One apprentice who drove significant impact on programme is James Macdonald, who developed skills in Python, SQL and PowerBI. He said: “I’ve already benefited from learning how to conduct hypothesis tests and build regression models in Python. I’ve been able to apply this in my work on our carbon calculation tool, to predict the carbon footprint of forthcoming projects, which will be really valuable. And elsewhere I’ve already seen value in data skills reducing time spent gathering information for reporting dashboards.” Multiverse’s 2024 Skills Intelligence Report revealed that in construction, 29% of employees’ time working with data is spent unproductively. Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’s continued commitment to upskilling, however, will enable its teams to automate processes and tasks, leading to a significant boost in efficiency and output. Sarah Reid, Managing Director –for Water & Highways at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure said: “The Digital and Data Academy is part of our ongoing commitment to developing and protecting our people, ensuring they have the right tools and knowledge to thrive in a fast-paced industry. Having the skills to harness data effectively will not only improve efficiency across the business but also create opportunities for personal and professional growth.” Multiverse combines work and learning to unlock economic opportunity for everyone. It works with more than 1,500 organisations to close critical skill gaps in the workforce in AI, data and technology. Gary Eimerman, Chief Learning officer at Multiverse said: “Data is transforming the future of the construction industry. By taking a forward-thinking approach to close the data skills gap, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure will deliver measurable benefits for both its business and its people.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) has announced a new event aimed at encouraging the next generation to consider careers within the professional cleaning industry. For the first time, the industry-leading Institute will host its inaugural BICSc Youth Event which will take place on July 9th, 2025. The one-day event will shine a spotlight on the varied career opportunities in the cleaning sector and facilities management industry. BICSc will be hosting this new event in collaboration with Youth Employment UK (YEUK) and together will showcase and explore exciting career options with experts from the sector, delivering dynamic presentations and participating in insightful, knowledge sharing panels. BICSc Group Managing Director, Neil Spencer-Cook said: “This event is designed to give young people a comprehensive understanding of the diverse job roles available after leaving school, college, or university. Those attending will leave with a clearer picture of the multiple career paths that await them, and the skills needed to succeed. “Hosted by BICSc, in collaboration with Youth Employment UK, this event underscores our commitment to being a youth-friendly, industry-friendly organisation that values its local community and the opportunities within it. It gives delegates the ideal opportunity to shape their future and discover the numerous possibilities to achieve and succeed in the cleaning and FM sectors!” The event, which will be held at IET, Austin Court, Birmingham, will be staged during Youth Employment Week, 7th-11th July 2025 and will guide and highlight the breadth of the cleaning industry and wider FM roles available to students after leaving school, college or university. Experts from BICSc and YEUK will share their own personal insights and experiences of their career successes to help inspire attendees to understand what can be achieved in both sectors. Discussions will also focus on early/extended careers in innovation in the industry. Neil Spencer-Cook added: “We are thrilled to be able to launch this new BICSc Youth Event which will offer a full day of presentations, panels, and exhibitions from youth-friendly companies operating within our industry. For sponsors and exhibitors, this is a unique chance to showcase their opportunities and connect with enthusiastic young talent and effectively promote their job openings and career prospects.” “We are excited to share more information about the multitude of career opportunities available and inspire the next generation of specialists within the sector.” BICSc is the largest independent professional and educational body within the cleaning industry. The are several sponsorship packages available and opportunities for organisations to exhibit at the exclusive event. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is joining forces with Women in Construction Anglia to help bridge the gap between the industry and education, and encourage more women into construction roles. The new partnership comes as the government commits £600 million to address the construction sector’s skills shortage, with the aim of ensuring Suffolk leads the way on collaboration and tackling the skills gap within the industry. At its core, the partnership looks to enhance skills development by collaborating with local education institutions and local businesses, address barriers to work, promote diversity and inclusion and facilitate engagement between the industry and education. John Dugmore, CEO of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our commitment to bridging the gap between industry and education. “We have been working behind the scenes on this partnership for some time, so the Chancellor’s announcement on investing in skills in construction has come at the perfect time. “With this new partnership, we can ensure that Suffolk remains at the forefront of the construction sector, continuing to work with our partners in our Suffolk colleges and higher education institutions, with skills leads in our local authorities and, most importantly, with industry so the county is equipped with a diverse and skilled workforce ready to meet future challenges.” The government’s investment seeks to train up to 60,000 skilled construction workers by 2029, supporting the plan to build 1.5 million homes and stimulate economic growth. With women currently making up only 15% of the workforce in the construction industry, it is hoped that through the work of organisations like Women in Construction Anglia and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce that more women will be involved in plans to get Britain building again. Clare Friel, Founder of Women in Construction Anglia, said: “Our collaboration with the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce amplifies our efforts to inspire and support women in the construction industry. “Since its inception we have been proud to collaborate with colleges across Suffolk but have aspirations to take our work across the region. “Together, we can create more opportunities and drive meaningful change” Since its launch in October 2024, Women in Construction Anglia has made a big impact in the sector, engaging more than 600 individuals through events and initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation of women to pursue careers in construction. More information on Women on Construction Anglia can be found here and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ahead of tomorrow’s Spring Statement the chancellor has announced she is injecting £600m into construction training. In response to this news, Andy Rayner, Director of Learning and Development at Travis Perkins Plc says: “It’s encouraging to see the Government recognising the importance of skilled trades in delivering the UK’s housing ambitions. The construction industry has been facing significant challenges due to ongoing skills shortages, which have impacted the speed and scale at which projects can be delivered. “An investment of this scale into construction training and recruitment is not just a step in the right direction, but also a long-term commitment to the future of the industry. “Equipping the next generation with the right tools, training, and opportunities will help address critical gaps in the workforce, strengthen the supply chain, and support the industry in meeting ambitious build targets with greater confidence and resilience.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
University students who want to bolster their income and boost their skills are being offered the chance to join HS2’s construction partner in the West Midlands for an eight-week paid work placement. Now in its fourth year, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s undergraduate scheme gives students the chance to earn and gain vital work experience in their specialist subject area during the summer holidays. There are 30 places on this year’s programme and to qualify, undergraduates must live, or study, in the Midlands. All placements will begin in July and include opportunities at BBV’s construction sites and offices in Birmingham, and North and South Warwickshire. Placements are open to candidates studying a broad range of subjects, with opportunities in the following business areas: Julie Venn-Morton, HS2’s Senior Skills and Inclusion Manager for the region said: “This is an exceptional opportunity for talented undergraduates who want to get a head start in their career and play a part in building Britain’s new railway. “Prioritising places for those who live locally, or study in the region, helps to retain local talent and for those who excel, the summer programme has led to long-term careers on HS2.” BBV began its undergraduate summer scheme in 2022 and has provided paid work placements to 30 students every year thereafter. Placements allow undergraduates to put the theoretical element of their degree into practice and can be a real opportunity for candidates to shine. In previous years, stand-out students have gone on to secure full-time employment with BBV paying the remainder of their university fees so they could continue their studies whilst working. Naomi Bates, Skills, Employment and Education Business Partner at Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “Our summer placement programme is a great way for university students to earn money and learn new skills which are relevant to their future careers. “There are a limited number of places available for students who live or study in the Midlands, so I’d encourage anyone who’s interested to grab this opportunity with both hands, as soon as possible.” Expressions of interest for the 2025 programme are open now, and prospective candidates are encouraged to apply early to secure one of 30 places. 22 year-old Aniqa Malik from Bordesley Green, Birmingham joined the 2022 summer programme while studying Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham. During the eight-week course, Aniqa was exposed to a range of work areas but especially enjoyed her time with the design team. Subsequently, Aniqa decided to stay on the project and successfully gained a place as a graduate design coordinator, based at HS2’s Delta Junction. Aniqa said: “My summer placement with Balfour Beatty VINCI back in 2022 was an invaluable learning opportunity. I was able to hone my technical abilities, collaborate with professionals in the field, and gain a true understanding of the scope and significance of the HS2 project. “My decision to return as a full-time employee was made simple by the encouraging atmosphere and growth prospects. Anyone wishing to expand their professional network, get practical experience, and be a part of something truly special should consider this placement.” For more information about BBV’s undergraduate placement programme, and details on how to apply, visit the HS2 jobs board and search ‘summer placement’. The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 4th April 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
We welcome today’s construction skills announcement from the Chancellor, which aligns closely with the key objectives we’ve been championing through PfP Thrive. Rachel Reeves is absolutely right: we cannot meet the urgent need for 1.5 million new homes without a skilled construction and trades workforce to build them. This means investing not only in the next generation of engineers, bricklayers, electricians, and carpenters, as the Chancellor highlights, but also in upskilling the existing workforce. We are keen to learn more about how the £600 million in skills funding will be distributed and hope it presents opportunities for partnerships with organisations like ours to help train the skilled workers we need. The focus on skills boot camps is promising, particularly as it aligns with our own goals of reskilling the workforce to adopt new construction techniques and materials. Additionally, the emphasis on foundation apprenticeships is encouraging, as we are already collaborating with organisations across the sector to help them utilise the apprenticeship levy to address the skills gap. However, challenges remain – particularly the upcoming National Insurance increase, which could dampen the appetite for apprenticeships. We hope this announcement signals a broader commitment to addressing such barriers, ensuring we are in a strong position by 2029. Together, we can build a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering not only the 1.5 million homes needed in this Parliament, but also the crucial housing projects and upgrades that will follow. Tom Arey is director at PfP Thrive, an organisation delivering comprehensive bespoke training programmes for the UK housing and construction sectors, as well as compliance training, trade skills apprenticeships and leadership development to meet evolving workforce needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
