Only 74 people had started a new foundation-level construction apprenticeship by April, against a government assumption of 1,000 for the 2025/26 academic year, prompting further concern about remedying the skills shortage in the industry. This news comes following the announcement of a £625 million package for the purpose of recruiting 60,000 more construction workers by 2029.
According to a new report by the National Audit Office (NAO), institutions were only left with three months to engage employers to recruit apprentices, encourage prospective applicants, and organise teaching arrangements. The NAO also raised concern about the package’s emphasis on work placements.
JBT director Denise Brennan had the following to say: “As stated, many times before, it does not matter what you put in place beforehand: encouraging school pupils to enter the industry, more diploma placements, T-levels, workshop training, foundation apprenticeships, you name it. Without the lengthy hands-on experience gained in the industry itself, we will not fill the skills shortage gap. All we end up with is lots of people with diplomas and the like, who have no way to then continue and achieve their qualifications in their chosen trade. If employers do not provide long term, quality placements, there will continue to be a growing skills shortage.”
Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist for the Building Cost Information Service said that “government departments need a much clearer understanding of the workforce and skills required to deliver planned construction activity.”
Since we started in 2013, JBT’s top priority is getting people into long-term employment within the construction industry.
Source: Construction News
