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, railways and energy infrastructure”.
Nevertheless, the construction sector continues to face a significant skills gap, challenges in recruitment, and a training system that is not adequately designed to meet the needs of the 95% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that dominate the construction sector.
The construction industry accounts for 11% of global emissions. It is estimated that there are 29 million buildings in the UK that require enhancements in energy efficiency through retrofitting, and a large-scale transition from gas to energy-efficient heat pumps.
The UK green construction market is projected to reach £6 billion annually. The UK needs to develop a workforce with the necessary skills and capacity to deliver on this.
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.”
The Plan for Change funding is designated for the following initiatives;
- £100 million allocated for establishing 10 new Technical Excellence Colleges.
- £165 million directed towards colleges for the expansion of construction courses.
- £100 million reserved for 40,000 industry placements each year for Level 2 and Level 3 learners.
- £80 million allocated to support employers in providing customized training.
Tim Balcon, CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted with the support the Government is giving the construction sector with increased investment. This package will provide vital support where it is needed most… I genuinely believe this is a once-in-a-generation chance for us to recruit and train our workforce, equipping more people with the skills they urgently need now and in the future.”
Much of the proposed initiatives build upon the progressive efforts already undertaken in the Further Education sector. For instance, Yeovil College created a new green construction curriculum. They delivered training focused on in-demand practical skills by using “kit” from Sabre Rigs. The construction team at Yeovil College said: “This has resulted in training sessions that are hands-on, engaging, and focused on the green construction skills that employers demand.”
Similarly, the Bedford College Group has utilised Green Skills Solutions training programmes and equipment from Sabre Rigs Ltd as part of their Local Improvement Fund (LSIF) projects. The plumbing team remarked: “It is an excellent piece of equipment that can effectively demonstrate theoretical principles in a manner that students can comprehend.”
In order to fulfil commitments regarding housing, net zero, and growth, the Government’s Plan for Change has allocated funding to improve and fix training in construction. Success depends on revolutionising construction skills training, which includes enhancing access to contemporary green construction methods and technologies. The process of establishing a pipeline for a modern, skilled construction workforce with well-compensated green jobs has genuinely commenced.
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Ensure that you do not fall behind and that your learners have access to the most up-to-date training equipment and practical green skills resources.
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