The Construction Skills Mission Board is set to hold its inaugural meeting, aiming to bring 100,000 new workers into the industry.
The government has announced new measures to expand access to construction jobs for jobseekers, with Jobcentres set to collaborate more closely with the industry to offer tailored placements and work experience opportunities.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council, will co-chair the first meeting of the Construction Skills Mission Board.
The Board’s role will be to design and implement targeted initiatives to support the mission, while helping shape and deliver government skills policy.
Its work will centre around five priority areas aimed at boosting recruitment across the sector:
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Building confidence to employ and invest
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Creating clear pathways for new entrants
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Improving access to training and support
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Ensuring effective funding
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Promoting reliable and rewarding career options
The Board stated it “will work with industry bodies to ensure these actions are rolled out across the sector.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “The construction sector is on the frontline in our mission to grow the economy, giving more people skilled jobs building the homes and infrastructure we need.
“The Construction Skills Mission Board will make sure we hear directly from employers about what their skills needs are, driving our reforms and helping more young people achieve and thrive.”
Starting in August, a new wave of construction foundation apprenticeships, supported by an additional £40 million, will provide early career opportunities for young people. Backed by the government’s Youth Guarantee, the programme ensures that every young person is either earning or learning, and will equip them with skills in core trades such as bricklaying and carpentry.
Reynolds said: “The Construction Skills Mission Board represents a new partnership between industry and government, working together to find industry-led, collaborative solutions to delivering the workforce of the future.
“I am delighted that we have seen such strong support from Ministers and some of the most important leaders in our sector – and I hope everyone will play their part in the delivery of this essential mission.”
