The Mayor of London has announced £88.6 million London’s next generation of construction workers, which will help to tackle skills shortages, accelerate the delivery of new homes and make current homes more energy efficient.

The construction skills package is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and will deliver more than 20,000 construction courses, as well as industry placements.

There will also be investment in high-quality training facilities and equipment at colleges across the capital.

The Mayor included a plan to accelerate housebuilding in his draft London Plan that was published earlier this month. The Plan includes a goal for as many as 558,000 new homes by 2037.

Of the £88.6 million, £43 million will be invested in Further Education (FE) colleges to support new or improved training facilities and equipment.

A £2.5 million fund will test and scale training provision. This will be co-designed with members of the Interim Construction and Built Environment Talent Board.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "We can’t build the homes Londoners desperately need without the skilled workforce to deliver them. That's why I'm investing an unprecedented £88.6m to train London's next generation of construction workers, helping thousands of Londoners develop the skills they need to access good jobs while tackling critical skills shortages across the industry.

“This landmark investment will deliver more than 20,000 construction courses, alongside industry placements and major investment in our colleges, ensuring London has the skilled workforce needed to build more homes and make existing homes more energy efficient.

“By bringing employers and training providers together, we can give Londoners clearer routes into good careers while giving businesses the talent they need to grow – helping us to build a greener and more prosperous London for everyone.”

Anna Devlet, Chair of the Interim Built Environment Talent Board and Strategic Advisor on Social Value & Skills at The Crown Estate, said: “The investment announced today will unlock thousands of opportunities in our industry and ensure we have the talent we need to meet housing and infrastructure demand across the city.

“As chair of the interim Built Environment Talent Board I, along with other industry leaders, have worked closely with the GLA to shape this package of support. From bringing business into the classroom through the FE Teacher Industry Exchange,  to industry placements for young people, the Construction Skills Package is developing the skilled workforce London needs.

“As the interim Board transitions to become a permanent Board, we look forward to continuing to champion this work strengthening the skills pipeline, creating stronger links between employers and providing opportunities for young people.”