12/06/2026
Over one million workers are needed in construction by 2035. Skills England's latest projections show we need 500,000 new roles and nearly 600,000 replacements now.
Hope is on the horizon. Skills England highlights Level 2 and Level 3 technical and vocational pathways. Apprenticeships align young talent with employers' needs, but finding enough employers willing to provide opportunities remains a challenge.
The government's £625m investment in construction skills is a positive step. Simplifying funding, reducing bureaucracy, and offering stronger financial support or tax incentives will make apprenticeships more accessible and attractive for employers.
Initiatives like the Northern Counties Builders Federation's Building Your Future campaign connect young talent with construction careers and encourage diversity and inclusion.
The solution is about creating opportunities. Training providers have capable candidates. Now, employers need to step up, and the government must make it practical to invest in our future workforce. Together, we can close the skills gap and build a stronger, more diverse industry.
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Angela Carney, president of the Northern Counties Builders Federation, discusses the construction skills challenge and how to tackle it