The UK needs 224,900 new construction workers by 2027. Can your business afford to wait?

The UK construction industry is facing an urgent skills shortage. With an ambitious target of building 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament, the pressure to recruit skilled workers has never been higher. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the industry requires nearly 224,900 additional workers by 2027. Can your business afford the risk of delays and rising costs due to these shortages?
The government’s recent announcement of a £600 million investment over four years directly addresses this critical issue. Here’s exactly how your business can leverage this substantial investment:
Breaking down the £600 million investment:
- 60,000 New Skilled Workers by 2029: Targeted training in key trades like engineering, bricklaying, electrical work, and carpentry to address immediate workforce needs.
- Technical Excellence Colleges: Dedicated facilities offering specialised, industry-specific training tailored directly to construction industry demands.
- Foundation Apprenticeships: Structured apprenticeships combining classroom education with on-site practical experience to build job-ready skills quickly.
- Skills Bootcamps Expansion: Intensive, short courses providing rapid upskilling, ideal for quickly onboarding and upgrading your workforce.
PeoplePlus and LearningPlus, immediately solving your skills gaps
At PeoplePlus, we have a proven track record of delivering practical, targeted training through our LearningPlus platform, directly aligned with industry needs:
- Complete Construction Package: Dramatically cuts onboarding time, ensuring your team is fully site-ready immediately with essential skills like Health & Safety, Sustainability, and site-specific training.
- Level 1 Health & Safety Award: Provides immediate eligibility for a CSCS Green Card, essential for site-based roles, ensuring compliance and safety from day one.
- AIM Entry Level 3 Intro to Construction: Delivers accessible and practical training to quickly integrate entry-level talent into your workforce, closing skills gaps rapidly.
We don’t just train, we handle every aspect, from delivery and certification to CSCS card administration, so your business can focus on growth and delivery.
Reflecting on wider impact
Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasizes, "Overcoming the shortage of skilled workers is essential to get Britain building again." Indeed, structured apprenticeships deliver an average return of £28 for every £1 invested, highlighting not just economic but also significant social benefits, such as improved social mobility and career opportunities for thousands of young people.
Take Action Now
- Which skills gaps have already cost your business time or money?
- What immediate steps can you take today to secure your skilled workforce?
- How will these initiatives shape your operational and recruitment strategies?
We’re eager to hear your perspectives. Let’s ensure this investment benefits your business directly and effectively.
Share your experiences and insights with us.
Let’s build the future of construction together.