Thousands more to get the tools they need to start construction careers

Roles ranging from project managers to bricklayers will be made available to jobseekers thanks to a new agreement, which will see Jobcentres working more closely with the construction industry to offer work experience and tailored placements to meet the need of employers and people looking to start a fulfilling career.

The agreement, signed last month at the newly-launched Green Plant Academy at the Earl’s Court Skills Centre, by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Department for Work and Pensions, is a major step in the Government’s drive to get Britain building and get Britain working as part of its Plan for Change.

More than 40,000 industry placements will be funded through a further £100 million from the Government, alongside a £32 million contribution from the CITB.

This comes alongside a £1 billion employment support package to support more disabled people and those with health conditions back into work. This is a quadrupling of the level of annual spend on supporting sick and disabled people into work, from £275 million in 2024/25, to over £1 billion in 2029/30.

Ministers will highlight major reforms to transform Jobcentres as well as the £625 million investment to tackle skills shortages in the construction sector – expected to create up to 60,000 more jobs for engineers, electricians and joiners by the end of the parliament. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said:

“Building 1.5 million homes takes investment, skills, and a government that’s ready to roll up its sleeves to deliver. And that is exactly what we are doing.

“Our Plan for Change commits to delivering the biggest boost for affordable and social housing in a generation, which we’ve backed with a £39 billion investment over 10 years.

“We’re working hand-in-hand with industry to recruit thousands more workers into skilled construction jobs, and thanks to our Make Work Pay reforms we will ensure these jobs are more secure and better rewarded.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall added:

“I am determined that our young people have the best start in life. To do this we must give them the tools they need to get ahead.

“This agreement, alongside our record funding, will do just that. Our welfare reforms will see the biggest investment in a generation to support disabled people into secure, well-paid work.

“Our Plan for Change will deliver the jobs, homes and opportunities we need to build a stronger and more prosperous Britain.”