Civils contractors today welcomed news that the UK Government is to inject £600 million into construction skills training by saying the investment will not only create positive futures for people but will drive growth in the economy.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled a £600 million investment to train up to 60,000 more skilled construction workers which will include:
- New foundation apprenticeships backed by a £40 million investment;
- A £100 million investment to fund 10 new Technical Excellence Colleges and £165 million of funding to help colleges deliver more construction courses;
- An expansion of Skills Bootcamps in the sector with £100 million of funding to ensure new entrants, returners, and those looking to upskill in the industry are able to do so;
- A £20 million investment in all Local Skill Improvement Plan (LSIP) areas to form partnerships between colleges and construction companies;
- An additional £40 million investment to back new foundation apprenticeships, due to launch in August 2025;
- A further £100 million of Government funding, and £32 million from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), to fund over 40,000 industry placements for all Level 2 and Level 3 learners, as well as those studying NVWs, BTECs, T-Levels, and advanced apprenticeships;
- The foundation of a new Construction Skills Mission Board, empowered to develop and deliver a construction skills action plan and provide strategic leadership to the sector.
Commenting, Chief Executive of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Alasdair Reisner said: “Today’s announcement is great news for the industry and for all those people who will go on to well-paid, rewarding jobs in the construction sector.
“But more than that, it is a net positive for the UK economy, as it will unleash the talent we have in the UK to build a more prosperous future for communities across the country.
“Whether it is through the provision of new homes or the vital infrastructure society relies upon, the construction sector is a driver of economic growth and a creator of well-paid, sustainable and secure jobs.
“This investment in skills is an investment in the future of our country and shows the UK Government is leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of growth.
“We look forward to working with CECA members, skills providers, and all other stakeholders to ensure the Government gets the biggest bang for its buck on this investment.
“CECA has been closely involved in the development of this Government support and we will be working closely with businesses – both in our membership and in the wider construction sector – to make sure the skills are in place for building a stronger, more prosperous economy in the years ahead.”
< ENDS
CECA PRESS RELEASE: Government Action To Close Skills Gap Will Drive Growth – Immed. 24 March 2025