Forget Quick Fixes: Why City & Guilds Say Apprenticeships Could Be the Only Way Out of the UK’s Housing Shortage
As National Apprenticeship Week kicks off, global skills leader City & Guilds is joining forces with Vistry, Travis Perkins, AMEY, and other major players in construction to spotlight a critical solution to one of the industry’s biggest challenges: the skills gap.
09 February 2026
The UK faces an ambitious target of building 1.5 million new homes by 2029, but the numbers tell a stark story. To deliver, the homebuilding sector needs 161,000 extra workers, a 30% increase on today’s workforce. Yet every year, the industry loses around 50,000 skilled professionals to retirement and attrition. With an ageing workforce and too few new entrants, the clock is ticking.
City & Guilds has long championed skills development as the cornerstone of a thriving construction sector. Our recent Foundations for the Future report reveals that three-quarters (76%) of construction firms are struggling to recruit the talent they need. Meanwhile, 85% of employees see training as essential for career progression, and 59% believe more training opportunities would attract fresh talent.
Apprenticeships offer a powerful answer. Today, 82,000 apprentices are enrolled in construction programmes across Great Britain, with 33,000 new starts in 2023/24. But many employers are still leaving funding on the table and missing the chance to build the workforce of tomorrow.
That’s why City & Guilds is partnering with leading homebuilder Vistry and others to raise awareness of apprenticeship routes in housebuilding and construction. Together, we aim to unlock opportunities for learners and employers alike - helping the sector meet demand, drive growth, and secure its future.
Andy Moss, Chief Customer Officer, City & Guilds, said:
“Attitudes toward apprenticeships are improving, but the latest figures show we still have far to go to meet construction’s urgent skills needs. While starts are rising, entry-level roles remain scarce, leaving young people unsure where to begin and employers struggling to fill gaps. Clear advice is vital to showcase the incredible pathways available.
National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to highlight the breadth of construction careers - from traditional trades to emerging areas like sustainable building and digital tech. These roles don’t just build homes; they build futures. For employers, apprenticeships aren’t just recruitment - they’re a proven way to attract talent, create diverse teams, and future-proof the industry. Participation is up, but we must go further to make apprenticeships the first choice for anyone considering a career in construction.
We applaud leaders like Vistry for championing robust programmes that equip learners with in-demand skills and rewarding careers.”
Vistry is passionate about creating lasting careers so colleagues at every level can succeed and develop. When it comes to trainees, Vistry believes in the investment and potential of nurturing future talent
Chief Executive Officer of Vistry, Greg Fitzgerald, started his journey in housebuilding as an apprentice estimator. Demonstrating that starting out as a trainee can lead to a successful and rewarding career in housebuilding. Vistry offers a suite of development opportunities and enrichment to kick-start careers.
Chris Dowling, Future Talent Lead at Vistry, said:
“At Vistry, we play a major role in shaping the future of housebuilding through apprenticeships. Meeting the UK’s housing challenge isn’t just about building homes – it’s about investing in people and creating innovative pathways for long-term careers. Apprenticeships bring fresh talent and vital skills that will sustain our industry for generations. That’s why we’re committed to opening doors and supporting the next wave of professionals. If you’re ready to build your future – and ours – explore apprenticeship opportunities with Vistry today.”