Jobcentres and construction sector to create more training opportunities

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and construction industry groups have signed an agreement that will open up more on-the-job training opportunities in the sector to jobseekers.

Under the plans, more than 40,000 industry placements will be funded through £100 million investment from government, alongside £32 million from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and enable Jobcentres to work more closely with the sector to meet employer skills needs and labour shortages. Investment also aims to enable delivery of the government’s housebuilding targets.

The funding for construction sector training comes alongside the launch of the Construction Skills Mission Board, where cabinet ministers and industry CEOs and leaders will commit to recruitment of 100,000 more construction workers annually by the end of the Parliament.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner, who will co-chair the Construction Skills Mission Board, said:

“We’re working hand-in-hand with industry to recruit thousands more workers into skilled construction jobs, and thanks to our Make Work Pay reforms we will ensure these jobs are more secure and better rewarded.“

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

I am determined that our young people have the best start in life. To do this we must give them the tools they need to get ahead.

“This agreement, alongside our record funding will do just that. Our welfare reforms will see the biggest investment in a generation to support disabled people into secure, well-paid work.“

Tim Balcon, CEO of the CITB said:

“Opportunities in construction are for everybody, whatever their background. By working together, we can widen the talent pool, bring in more diverse voices, and encourage more people to consider a career in construction.

“Every year, over 100,000 people receive construction training. I want many more of them to forge lasting careers in the sector. This is why the partnership with DWP is so vital, as it helps ensure individuals are not just trained but truly prepared for careers in construction.

“The government commitment to addressing the housing shortage, improving the country’s infrastructure, and investing in construction skills mean this is a real boom time for our industry.“