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Against a backdrop of economic challenge, rising materials and labour costs, new figures from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) reveal that almost 225,000 extra workers will be required to meet UK construction demand by 2027.

My job is to help firms get all the funding they’re eligible for, writes CITB Engagement Adviser Abbie Langridge.

This year, CITB has paid out over £5m more in grants and supported nearly 700 more employers compared to the same period in 2021. As we draw closer to the end of 2022, CITB data reveals that almost 12,500 businesses have been supported in the form of grants, with £54.6m paid out to date (Apr – Nov 2022), and more than half paid to small or micro businesses.

A school-based training facility which linked local people to employers who were struggling to recruit skilled workers scored top marks for delivery.

Over 100 construction learners joined a CITB employability event recently at Coleg Cambria, on Deeside. The aim of these events is to give college-based learners an insight into what a company is looking for in an apprentice, what level of behaviour they expect and how to best approach getting some work experience and an apprenticeship. The learners also hear the importance of Health and Safety on site.

Sian Walkey, like many in construction, didn’t take her apprenticeship straight from school. The mum-of-two had already studied, built up a successful career and started a family – but she wanted to go further. She wanted to upskill and unleash her potential.

"Learning a new skill every day was one of the best feelings.” Those words are from trainee joiner Daniel Skelly. They are a very good example of how training for a new career can be enjoyable – and transform a life.

The winners of the SkillBuild National Finals 2022 have been announced, after nearly 80 construction trainees went head-to-head over three days. SkillBuild, often dubbed the ‘skills Olympics’, is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) in partnership with WorldSkills UK and offers a chance for trainees to compete in a bid to be crowned winner of their chosen trade.

When aspiring joiner Willow Kehily was made redundant from her job in retail, she made a bold decision. The Cardigan-based mum decided to re-skill and pursue her interest in carpentry. It was a risky move. But it paid off. Within days of starting onsite construction training Willow knew she had made the right choice.

CITB’s Chief Executive, Tim Balcon said: “Construction employers are facing rising energy bills and materials costs and they need confidence in the future pipeline of work and support to train through challenging market conditions. “We will do everything we can to support the construction industry so companies can continue to have the confidence to invest in skills."