A trailblazing construction training company is hosting an event at the University of Cambridge to help tackle the sector’s soaring skills gap.
According to latest figures from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), more than 250,000 extra construction workers are needed by 2028 to meet demand, as the government aims to build 1.5 million more homes by the end of the decade.
To tackle this big issue, Constructed Pathways, a Cambridgeshire-based construction training company, is inviting industry heads to an event at Kings College Cambridge on September 30 to shine a light on the industry’s growing skills shortage and ways to fix it.
Dan Edwards, Co-founder and Director of Constructed Pathways, said: “The industry needs a pipeline of skilled individuals to take on the UK’s mounting construction challenges and it needs them as soon as possible.
“The problem needs a huge collaborative effort to solve. Construction companies are screaming out for new workers, and we need to work together to close the gap quickly.
“It’s all about changing the perception of the sector and raising awareness of the huge opportunities for people to join the industry.”
Constructed Pathways’ pioneering work has helped give prisoners at HMP Peterborough a new chance at life, giving them hands-on training in construction with a number going on to full-time employment – some of whom will speak at the event.
The company also has plans to set up temporary training worksites at ongoing housing developments, as well as a Cambridgeshire secondary school, to train up the next generation of construction workers.
“Our programme delivers skills on what is essentially a working building site, rather than a classroom, creating an environment close to what they will experience when starting their career,” said Dan.
September’s event, supported by Women in Construction Anglia, will address the sector’s skills shortage, the company’s work tackling the issue and will provide an opportunity for networking and partnership building.
Dan added: “This event will bring organisations together to share ideas and collaborate to tackle the major challenge ahead.
“It’s a great chance to highlight opportunities for organisations to work together to train the construction force of the future.”For more information about the event and to book tickets, see here.