__________________________________________________________________________________ Workforce Development
The UK’ s construction sector is currently facing some big challenges. According to research by the Construction Industry Training Board( CITB), over 250,000 additional construction workers will be needed by 2029 to meet the average 2.4 per cent a year growth that is expected in the UK from now until 2028. However, a skills gap has quickly developed in the industry. For instance, a Strategic Resourcing whitepaper reported on by Planning, Building & Construction Today found that workers aged 55-plus outnumber those under 25 by 20 per cent at main contractor firms.
One encouraging aspect though is that Protrade’ s State of Construction Apprenticeship Report( 2026) revealed that there has been a 1.5 per cent increase in new construction apprentices during the 2024-2025 period.
Kate Burns, Head of Talent and Learning at modular building experts Portakabin ®, comments:“ It is important that this skills gap continues to be addressed as a priority. As well as investing in future talent we need to ensure people are upskilled and reskilled, unlocking agility and innovation in the workforce to meet future needs.”
For employers looking to build skills at pace and at scale, access to dedicated, high-quality training space is becoming essential.
Why training should never be an afterthought in the construction industry
Roles in the construction industry require people to have specialised skills, knowledge and abilities. All these elements can be studied and then built on through training and development programmes.
Employers and employees alike will benefit from construction training for the following reasons: ccemagazine. com 27