Bridging the skills gap: Connecting ambitious learners with construction careers
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.
Strong demand from learners
At The Skills Centre, we see first-hand the enthusiasm for apprenticeships. Learners are actively seeking practical, paid routes into construction that allow them to earn while they learn, gain real-world experience and build long-term careers.
Since 2021, The Skills Centre has helped train 464 apprentices. We offer specialist training facilities across the UK to support construction apprentices in developing the skills and experience needed to bring value to construction sites from bootcamps, entry level, short course upskilling, and higher level NVQs. The appetite for apprenticeships is clear. A recent Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) report found that:
· 68% of young people have a positive view of construction
· 79% of parents would support their child entering the sector
· 43% of parents prefer ‘learn while you earn’ apprenticeships over university
However, barriers remain. While interest is high, many young people are put off by perceptions of poor workplace culture and lack of flexible working, factors that fall squarely on the employer rather than the learner.
The employer gap
Despite this appetite from learners, The UK Construction Skills Shortage Report shows that less than half of apprentices successfully complete their training, highlighting a significant retention challenge. Crucially, this suggests that even when learners are interested, the employer environment or support structure is failing to keep them.
Tackling the construction skills shortage isn’t just about increasing the number of those starting an apprenticeship, it’s also about supporting trainees to complete their programmes and thrive in their careers.
The report also highlighted that 55% of firms struggle to find skilled trades, yet training provision has dropped significantly post pandemic from 67% to 42%. Interestingly, London has the highest job demand but the lowest rate of new apprenticeships, while the North has more apprentices but fewer firms.
Many employers face genuine challenges in taking on apprentices. These include concerns about cost, capacity, administration, short-term productivity, or a lack of understanding about how apprenticeships work.
However, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Apprenticeships provide a pipeline of skilled, motivated workers who can grow with your business. While it’s true that supervising and training apprentices requires an investment, both in time and resources, this delivers long-term value with tailored skills and a workforce aligned to your needs.
The Skills Centre can help employers bridge this gap by providing support with compliance, funding, mentoring, and training delivery, making apprenticeships manageable and rewarding rather than a burden.
Supporting employers to take on apprentices
At The Skills Centre, we work closely with employers to remove barriers and make apprenticeships work in practice. From guidance on funding and levy transfers, to support with recruitment, training delivery and compliance, our role is to simplify the process and ensure apprenticeships are a benefit not a burden.
There is a lot more flexibility for employers these days too. As of April 2025, the Growth and Skills Levy allows firms to use 50% of their funds for shorter modular courses (Skills Bootcamps) rather than just full-length apprenticeships.
The Government has also worked to remove barriers to learning by getting rid of the mandatory English and maths requirements for apprentices over 19, major historical issues that caused many interested learners to fail or be rejected by employers at the gate.
The Skills Centre works in partnership with organisations such as CITB to ensure training aligns with industry demand, including specialist provision such as cladding and retrofit skills, helping employers meet both current and future needs.
Let’s work together to close the skills gap
The construction industry has the talent ready to step in, but the opportunities must follow. By supporting apprenticeships, employers can close the skills gap, build a sustainable workforce, and give learners the chance to develop long-term, rewarding careers. At The Skills Centre, we are committed to connecting ambitious learners with employers ready to invest in the future of construction. Let’s help those eager to learn and waiting for opportunity
