The UK’s construction sector is currently facing some big challenges. According to research by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), over 250,000 additional construction workers will be needed by 2029 to meet the average annual growth rate of 2.4% expected in the UK through 2028
However, a skills gap has quickly developed in the industry. For instance, a Strategic Resourcing whitepaper found that workers aged 55+ outnumber those under 25 by 20% at main contractor firms.
One encouraging aspect, though, is that Protrade’s State of Construction Apprenticeship Report (2026) revealed a 1.5% increase in new construction apprentices during the 2024/25 period.
Kate Burns, head of talent and learning at Portakabin, commented: “It is important that this skills gap continues to be addressed as a priority. As well as investing in future talent, we need to ensure people are upskilled and reskilled, unlocking agility and innovation in the workforce to meet future needs.”
For employers looking to build skills at pace and at scale, access to a dedicated, high-quality training space is becoming essential.
Why construction training should never be an afterthought
Roles in the construction industry require specialised skills, knowledge and abilities. All of these elements can be studied and then built on through training and development programmes.
Employers and employees alike will benefit from construction training for the following reasons:
- A culture of continuous improvement and learning can be instilled in a workplace, motivating and encouraging staff members to find ways to improve their own abilities
- Training programmes can be designed to upskill staff members in a gap that has been identified at a company or the entire construction industry
- Productivity can be improved throughout a workplace, as staff members will better understand how to apply best practices to situations they encounter during their jobs
- Information about the latest technologies, tools and industry trends can be passed on to all colleagues through a company-wide training session
- Safety can be enhanced around a business, as training helps to reinforce the importance of safety standards and how employees can protect themselves from potential hazards tied to their roles
The government has aimed to support productivity and fuel innovation by transitioning the apprenticeship levy into a new Growth and Skills Levy.
Introduced in April 2026, the Growth and Skills Levy is a more flexible skills system that is responsive to employers and aims to help people acquire high-quality skills relevant to their roles.
Kate Burns has advised, though: “Employers who are about to introduce any type of learning into their business should make sure programmes are always designed to match the needs of their industry. Every programme needs to have clearly defined outcomes to ensure success, which will help address the sector’s skills gap.”
The benefits of providing on-site construction training
Another recommendation for business owners in the construction sector is to provide on-site training wherever possible, which can be customised to suit an employer’s needs.
Learning in a real-world work environment means employees may face real-life scenarios they must adapt to in their day-to-day jobs. The blend of theory and practice encountered in these situations will improve staff members’ preparedness for their roles.
On-site training in the construction industry can include techniques to improve someone’s workmanship, how to operate complex heavy machinery, and ways to follow a site’s safety protocols. It can also be used to swiftly address feedback or correct mistakes as these are identified among staff members.
Modular training rooms can help enhance training quickly and effectively
Those running a construction firm who are looking to install purpose-built training centres can do so quickly and effectively by investing in modular training rooms.
Burns explained: “Modular training room buildings are cost-effective solutions which will showcase that your construction firm is committed to your employees’ development, without needing to take teams off-site.
“Don’t forget that modular buildings can be relocated with ease as well. So, you can move your training facilities to another part of your site or even to another of your locations as training requirements at your company change.”
In an industry that urgently needs to address its skills gap, construction companies should consider implementing dedicated on-site training facilities. These sites can foster an environment of continuous improvement, upskilling employees quickly and effectively while also making a firm more appealing to job seekers.
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