AoC welcomes major government construction initiative

David Hughes CBE, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges said: "The launch of the Construction Skills Mission Board is a very positive step forward, with employers taking more responsibility as partners in the drive to recruit skilled people, alongside colleges and the government. Recruiting 100,000 more construction workers per year by the end of the parliament can be a game-changer for the construction industry and offer good jobs to lots of people.

"Colleges across the country stand ready to scale-up their training and education in construction to meet the growing workforce needs and close the skills gaps. The commitment from government to funding alongside the employer partnership will help colleges upgrade their facilities, expand course offerings, and create more apprenticeships, ensuring students get the skills they need for great careers in construction.

"The partnership between government, industry and colleges via the Construction Skills Mission Board is crucial. By working closely together, we can address the challenges and barriers and ensure that the training provided is directly aligned with industry needs and also works for people attracted into the construction industry. This collaboration will help create a steady pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet the demands of the construction sector. Employers will benefit from a workforce that is well-prepared, and colleges will be able to tailor their programs to the evolving needs of the industry.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for our colleges, employers, and communities to collaborate and help kickstart the economy through the construction industry and we will work with government and the sector to help deliver this."