Despite the government's ambitious pledge to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliament, the target appears increasingly out of reach due to a combination of soaring material costs, planning bottlenecks, and a lack of affordable housing. Just over 300,000 homes were added in the first 18 months, nearly a third short of the required pace.
At South and City College in Birmingham, a new generation of construction workers is training to meet the demand. Courses in brickwork, plumbing, and carpentry are busier than ever, with over 62,500 adults enrolling in construction qualifications last year—a 30% increase since 2021. However, the college reports that the real issue is not a skills shortage but a lack of apprenticeship opportunities.
Only 24,500 people started construction apprenticeships in England last year, a modest rise from previous years. Many graduates struggle to find employers willing to take them on without two years of hands-on experience. 'It's not a skills shortage. It's a connectivity issue,' said Andy Thompson, faculty head at the college.
The government has promised to train 40,000 new builders, but experts warn that without sufficient apprenticeships and employer engagement, many trainees may not end up in construction jobs. 'They're going to hit that easily. That's the easy part. It's about how many actually end up in a job,' Thompson added.
