News & Events

The construction industry is facing a well-documented and growing skills gap. With an ageing workforce, increased demand for housing and infrastructure, and rapid changes in technology and regulation, the need for skilled construction workers has never been greater. 

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates that an additional 251,500 workers are needed by 2028 to meet demand. By 2032, according to Places For People, almost one million extra construction workers will be required so, without intervention, the skills gap will only widen.

Apprenticeships are widely recognised as one of the most effective solutions to bridge this gap - yet there is a clear imbalance between strong learner interest and a shortage of employers able or willing to offer apprenticeship opportunities.

Many employers in construction began their own careers as apprentices, yet too often this valuable source of labour remains underused. The Skills Centre is already changing that – working with employers to turn apprenticeship ambition into real recruitment, real training and real jobs across the industry. We currently offer apprenticeships around the UK in Formwork Level 2, Steelfixing Level 2, Groundwork Level 2. Highways Maintenance Operative Level 2 and Interior Systems (Dry Lining) Level 2 helping to build a site-ready workforce and create strong pathways into construction for individuals from all backgrounds.

Only 15% of the construction industry is currently represented by women. At The Skills Centre we pride ourselves on providing opportunities for all to get into the industry through our funded training provision. 

Across February and March we have programmes dedicated to getting more women into the industry across 5 locations. 

Thinking about taking on a construction apprentice but not sure where to start? Whether you’re a SME or a large-scale contractor, apprenticeships offer a cost-effective way to build a loyal, highly skilled workforce. At The Skills Centre, we handle the heavy lifting. from managing paperwork and compliance to providing site-ready learners who already hold their CSCS green cards. This FAQ guide covers everything you need to know about costs, government funding, and how managed apprenticeships work, helping you hire with confidence and grow your team with minimal disruption to your daily operations.

Congratulations to Places for London for winning the best development company award for their London Skills Programme. 

One of the UK’s leading training and apprenticeships providers, The Skills Centre, officially opened its brand-new Essex facility at Horndon Industrial Estate, Brentwood, on Friday, 10th October.

The opening, which was hosted by representatives from The Skills Centre, Measom Drylining, alongside Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) CEO Iain McIlwee, and Councillor Louise McKinlay, is the tenth Skills Centre facility in the UK, joining centres based at Earls Court, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Kent, Northampton, Bicester, West Midlands and Southwark.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced major changes to its grant scheme. From 1 January 2026, funding for Management and Supervision NVQs will drop significantly, employers who want to access the higher level of funding must ensure their learners complete their NVQs before 31st December 2025.

Here we explain the CITB grant changes and how you can help you take advantage of the current enhanced rates.

Places for London, Transport for London’s wholly owned property company, through work with its training partner, The Skills Centre, and its construction and developer partners across London, has now trained more than 10,000 people through its Construction Skills Programme since 2019, helping thousands of Londoners into jobs and careers that are helping London grow.