A National Push for Housing — and Skilled Construction Workers

The UK government has announced a bold new initiative to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029—and it’s going to take a new generation of skilled construction workers to make it happen.

Backed by a £600 million investment, this plan is a huge opportunity for both newcomers and experienced tradespeople looking to gain in-demand skills. At the heart of this mission is one key goal: train and recruit up to 60,000 new workers across the construction industry.

What the Government’s Construction Plan Includes

This multi-pronged skills initiative is designed to plug the severe skills gap and accelerate the delivery of housing and infrastructure projects across the UK.

Key highlights include:

• 💼 Foundation Apprenticeships launching in 2025 — with £2,000 in funding per apprentice retained by employers

• 🏫 Skills Bootcamps for quick, targeted training in construction trades

• 🏗️ Technical Excellence Colleges delivering specialist construction education

• 👷 Over 40,000 industry placements per year for NVQs, BTECs, T-levels, and apprenticeships — funded by £100M in government grants + £32M from CITB

• 🧱 Capital grant funding (£80M) to support bespoke training solutions for employers

This is one of the largest workforce investments in UK construction history — and it’s creating thousands of job-ready training pathways.

Why This Matters: The Skills Shortage Crisis

The construction sector is in urgent need of qualified professionals. According to recent industry figures:

• 🛑 Over 35,000 vacancies exist in UK construction

• 📉 More than half go unfilled due to a lack of skilled candidates

• 🏗️ Skills shortages are already threatening the pace of housing delivery

This funding package is a strategic response to ensure the UK has the skilled workforce it needs to meet its Net Zero, housing, and infrastructure targets.

Powered by Industry Collaboration

To ensure real impact, the government is partnering with key industry bodies:

• CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) is doubling its New Entrant Support Team (NEST) to help SMEs bring in and retain apprentices

• Construction Skills Mission Board — co-chaired by Mace’s Executive Chair Mark Reynolds — will shape the national workforce strategy

• Employers will have access to capital grants and increased support for placements and apprenticeships

 

How Construction NVQs Fit In

For anyone looking to enter the industry or progress into higher roles, Construction NVQs offer one of the most accessible, work-based qualifications.

Benefits of an NVQ in construction:

• ✅ Recognised UK-wide by employers and CITB

• 👷‍♂️ Based on real-world experience — no classroom required

• 🚀 Fast-tracked to CSCS Card eligibility

As thousands of placements and training opportunities roll out, now is the perfect time to earn a nationally recognised NVQ and future-proof your construction career.

📊 Fast Facts at a Glance

 

 

Start Building Your Future with Construction NVQs

Whether you’re just getting started or already on-site and ready to level up, Construction NVQs are your passport to a better role, better pay, and long-term job security.

🔥 Apply now to become part of the next generation of UK construction professionals.
🧱 Let’s help Britain build 1.5 million new homes — and build your career while we’re at it.

👉 [Explore NVQs & Enrol Today]
📞 Or contact our support team to find the right NVQ for your career goals.