Ruth backs new measures to boost construction workforce and get Britain building

• New measures to tackle construction skills shortages to build 1.5 million homes

• Will deliver up to 60,000 more construction workers by 2029 as Government goes further and faster on delivering Plan for Change

• £600 million investment will fund more construction placements, establish Technical Excellence Colleges, launch new foundation apprenticeships and expand Skills Bootcamps

Ruth Cadbury MP has welcomed news that West London is set to benefit from an unprecedented package of measures to boost the construction workforce, deliver good jobs, and get Britain building to deliver new homes and infrastructure projects.

As part of the Governments Plan for Change to build 1.5 million homes, the government has announced £600m worth of investment over the next four years to get Britain building, training 60,000 more construction workers and breaking down the barriers to opportunity for thousands of young people.

London already has a proud track record of construction jobs, with over 280,000 people working in the sector. These new plans will not only ensure more workers remain in construction jobs, but that young people are given the opportunity to work in the industry. Under previous governments, the construction sector repeatedly sounded the alarm over skills shortages, with around 320,000 workers lost between 2019 and 2024.

The New Foundation Construction Apprenticeships will give young people aged 16-21 the tools they need for a sustained and rewarding career, with employers given up to £2,000 for every apprentice they take on. The package will see new funding to support Further Education providers in offering industry placements, with tens of thousands of students per year set to gain industry experience.

The government will also meet a manifesto promise with new funding for ten Technical Excellence Colleges specialising in construction, as well as an expansion to Skills Bootcamps backed by £100 million of funding.

Speaking in full Ruth said,

‘‘I’m delighted that the Government is investing more money in training up the new generation of bricklayers, electricians, and tradespeople. If we want to build the truly affordable housing and new infrastructure that we need across London then we need a new generation of young people who are trained to do so.

This plan will ensure that young people can have access to a well-paid job, while giving businesses the workforce they need and boosting our economic growth.

Local colleges such as West Thames already do an amazing job in training the next generation and I know that these new plans announced will provide a much-needed boost for our economy locally.’’