Funding to train 60,000 construction workers

The Chancellor has announced £600 million worth of investment to train up to 60,000 more skilled construction workers.

It is hoped the investment will deliver well-paid jobs across the country in the construction sector, while helping to build 1.5 million homes.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics have shown that there are over 35,000 job vacancies and employers report that over half of vacancies can’t be filled due to a lack of required skills. There is expected to be further demand as the push to deliver more homes and infrastructure continues.

The funding will be used to pay for more training places, ensure a sustainable flow of skilled construction workers and help businesses invest more in training.

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 announcement will provide £100 million of new investment to fund 10 new Technical Excellence Colleges and £165m of new funding to help colleges deliver more construction courses.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said: "Skills are crucial to this government’s mission to grow the economy under our Plan for Change, and nowhere is that clearer than in the construction industry.

"We are being held back by the largescale skills shortages in the construction sector which is a major barrier to the delivery of the growth mission.

"These measures will break down barriers to opportunity for thousands of young people, helping them to thrive in – and build – their local communities."