A multi-million pound fund to help tackle the construction
skills shortage has been launched by the
Skills Minister today (18 June).
With 158,000 new construction jobs expected to be created
in the UK over the next five years, the £22million
Construction Skills Fund will bring training to
construction sites - allowing learners to apply their
knowledge in a real-world environment.
This will help meet the needs of employers and tackle the
construction skills shortage, while also supporting those
who want to join the industry, particularly adult learners.
The 18-month scheme is funded by the Department for
Education and will be administered by the Construction
Industry Training Board (CITB).
Skills Minister said:
For our economy to thrive we need everyone, regardless of
their age or background, to be able to get the training
and the skills they need to make the most of the
opportunities that lie ahead.
The Government has committed to building 300,000 new
homes a year by the mid-2020s and we want to make sure
that we are investing in the UK skills base to deliver
this.
A career in construction offers the chance for many people
to establish and grow their own business.
On-site training will be hugely beneficial for employers
and trainees, as it will help bridge the gap between
training and working in the industry, meaning trainees are
site-ready sooner.
Minister of State for Housing said:
A construction workforce with new and innovative skills
is essential to building a housing market fit for the
future.
We have already invested £1bn to develop modern
approaches in the industry and the Construction Skills
Fund will teach builders the skills they need to deliver
300,000 new homes a year by the mid-2020s.
The fund forms a vital part of the Government’s modern
Industrial Strategy – a long-term plan to build a Britain
fit for the future by helping businesses create jobs in
every part of the UK.
It underlines the Government’s commitment to improving
education standards for everyone, so they can gain the
skills they need to succeed and can secure good jobs.
The fund aims to support:
- 20 on-site training hubs
- Work experience and placements for people working to
join the industry
- Entry pathways for those currently unemployed
- Pathways for career switchers.
CITB is now calling on employers, housing associations and
other interested bodies such as LEPs and local authorities
to submit expressions of interest. These can be from both
existing and prospective on-site learning hubs.
The funding will only support on-site training provision,
and access to live construction projects is essential to
qualify.
Steve Radley, Policy Director at CITB, said:
The Construction Skills Fund is a milestone scheme for
the sector and provides a significant investment in
skills and training. It will help attract new talent and
bridge the gap between training and working in the
industry.
Having training on or near to major projects will reveal
what an exciting sector this can be, while also putting
new talent in the shop window.
We want all interested organisations to submit
Expressions of Interest that are innovative,
collaborative and with training at their heart. We will
support applicants through the process and provide expert
guidance to apply to the fund.
We are pleased to help deliver this major new project and
we are confident that, with industry support, it can help
meet construction’s skills needs now and in the future.
