WNY Chamber reacts to construction skills funding
West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce today welcomes the commitment by the Department for Education to invest £600m into construction skills.
The money will be invested into skills training for the construction industry and the government hopes the new cash will train up to 60,000 additional engineers, bricklayers, electricians and carpenters by 2029.
The move comes after the Chamber publicly called upon Education Secretary Bridget Philipson to produce a plan to spell out how Government intended to tackle the crisis in the construction sector.
Construction is a major part of the UK’s economy, employing 2.15 million people and worth six per cent of the country’s GDP. However, the sector’s workforce is sharply declining, with more than a third of those working in construction now aged over 50 years old.
According to research from the Construction Industry Training Board, a total of 251,500 additional workers are required to meet UK construction output by 2028. This equates to 50,300 workers per year.
The principle of Keighley College, Kevin O’Hare, welcomed the news, saying: “This investment is not just about bricks and mortar, it’s about building futures, strengthening communities, and enabling inclusive economic growth.
“Keighley College is celebrating i’s 200th year and this news is welcome birthday present.”
Ken Merry, principal and chief executive at York College, said: “I really welcome the government announcement providing an additional £600m of funding over four years to support the training of high quality, in demand construction workers.
“Regionally, there is great demand for construction skills to meet the highly ambitious new build targets, with exciting projects like York Central and Maltkin requiring significant growth in skilled workers. York College will play a key role in supporting the achievement of local and national government house building targets.”
Judith Jackson, head of apprenticeships at Bradford College, added: “Here at Bradford College we are always delighted to see any support for skills and training to which builds a stronger economy and better futures and jobs for young people and those wishing to grow and develop their careers.
“Overall, Rachel Reeves’ announcements, particularly if they focus on investing in skills, further education, and reducing the cost burden on students, could lead to better funding for colleges, improved access to higher education, and more opportunities for students.
“However, the exact impact would depend on the specific policies she introduces and how they are implemented within the broader economic framework.”
