Thousands of people to benefit from on-the-job training and career opportunities in the sector.
A new agreement signed by the Construction Industry Training Board and the Department for Work and Pensions will enable thousands of people to benefit from on-the-job training and career opportunities in the construction sector.
Roles ranging from project managers to bricklayers will be made available to jobseekers thanks to the agreement, which will mean Jobcentres working more closely with the construction industry to offer work experience and tailored placements to meet the need of employers and people looking to start a fulfilling career.?
The agreement, signed earlier this week at the newly-launched Green Plant Academy at the Earls Court Skills Centre, is a major step in the Government’s drive to get Britain building and get Britain working as part of its Plan for Change.?
More than 40,000 industry placements will be funded through a further £100 million from the government, alongside a £32 million contribution from the CITB.
It comes as the Deputy Prime Minister co-chaired the first Construction Skills Mission Board earlier this week with Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council.
Alongside Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Industry Sarah Jones, and several CEOs and sector leaders – including CITB CEO Tim Balcon – the Mission Board launched an industry commitment to recruit 100,000 more construction workers per year by the end of the Parliament.
This will be a step-change for the construction sector, creating good jobs across the country to deliver on government’s housing and infrastructure commitments, including building 1.5 million homes over this Parliament and delivery of the 10-year infrastructure strategy.
Ministers will highlight major reforms to transform Jobcentres as well as the £625 million investment to tackle skills shortages in the construction sector – expected to create up to 60,000 more jobs for engineers, electricians and joiners by the end of the parliament.
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: "Building 1.5 million homes takes investment, skills, and a government that’s ready to roll up its sleeves to deliver. And that is exactly what we are doing. Our Plan for Change commits to delivering the biggest boost for affordable and social housing in a generation, which we’ve backed with a £39 billion investment over ten years.
“We’re working hand-in-hand with industry to recruit thousands more workers into skilled construction jobs, and thanks to our Make Work Pay reforms we will ensure these jobs are more secure and better rewarded.”
Kendall said: “I am determined that our young people have the best start in life. To do this we must give them the tools they need to get ahead. This agreement, alongside our record funding will do just that. Our welfare reforms will see the biggest investment in a generation to support disabled people into secure, well-paid work. Our Plan for Change will deliver the jobs, homes and opportunities we need to build a stronger and more prosperous Britain."
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “The construction sector is on the frontline in our mission to grow the economy, giving more people skilled jobs building the homes and infrastructure we need. Through our Plan for Change we are determined to break the link between background and success, so that more young people can get on in well paid careers.
“The Construction Skills Mission Board will make sure we hear directly from employers about what their skills needs are, driving our reforms and helping more young people achieve and thrive.”
Balcon added: “Opportunities in construction are for everybody, whatever their background. By working together, we can widen the talent pool, bring in more diverse voices, and encourage more people to consider a career in construction.
“Every year, over 100,000 people receive construction training. I want many more of them to forge lasting careers in the sector. This is why the partnership with DWP is so vital, as it helps ensure individuals are not just trained but truly prepared for careers in construction.
“The Government commitment to addressing the housing shortage, improving the country’s infrastructure, and investing in construction skills mean this is a real boom time for our industry.”
