Building futures through skills

Your partner in tackling the construction skills shortage

£600 million investment to boost construction skills

The UK government has committed 600 million to boost construction training and tackle critical skills shortages, supporting the ambition to build 1.5 million homes by 2029.

Funding breakdown:

£100m: For 10 new Technical Excellence Colleges
£165m: Expansion of construction training in existing colleges
£100m: Growth of Skills Bootcamps for new entrants, returners, and upskilling
£20m: Support for LSIP areas - industry-experienced educators
£132m: To fund over 40,000 placements annually for Level 2 & 3 learners (Including £32m from CITB)

The initiative aims to train up to 60,000 construction professionals including bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, plasterers and retrofit specialists by 2029.

With £600m in government backing, there’s never been a better time to invest in skills.

Want to learn more and understand how we can support your construction needs?

Contact us today to discuss

Construction workers in safety gear inspecting a commercial building site with scaffolding — workplace safety and construction project management

Why tackling the construction skills shortage matters

Our Foundations for the future report, draws on insights from employers, training providers, learners and workers across the country, reveals:

76% of construction businesses are struggling to recruit skilled workers
84% believe the industry is facing critical skills shortages
239,000 additional workers needed to meet 1.5 million homes target
54% doubt the industry can meet housing or net zero goals

Employers are calling for job-ready talent, and learners want clear accessible pathways into meaningful careers. It’s time to close the gap.

Read the report

Team of workers in high-visibility vests and helmets attending a safety briefing

Partner with City & Guilds to build the future of construction

At City & Guilds, we’re ready to help the construction sector tackle its most urgent skills challenges with trusted, future-ready solutions:

Fund-ready & future-focused: Qualifications and programmes aligned to government priorities and funding opportunities.
Employer trusted: Developed with industry input and widely recognised across the construction sector.
Delivery support at scale: Comprehensive learning resources, expert guidance, robust EPA booking capacity, and real-world support.
Proven impact: A strong legacy of equipping learners with the skills to succeed in high-demand, high-impact roles.

We’re calling on curriculum leads, heads of function, managing directors and CEOs to join us in securing the future of the construction sector, by upskilling new generations, career switchers, and the current workforce through industry-led, sustainable training.