Angela Carney, president of the Northern Counties Builders Federation, discusses the impact of the skills shortage on the construction industry, and how it can be tackled
The publication of Skills England’s latest workforce projections should serve as a defining moment for the construction sector.
The report’s forecast that the industry will require more than one million additional workers by 2035 – comprising almost 500,000 new roles and close to 600,000 replacement workers – highlights a challenge that can no longer be viewed as a future issue.
Skills shortages are holding back developments
For Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF), the findings reinforce a concern we have been raising for many years. Skills shortages remain one of the biggest barriers to growth across the North East construction sector, limiting the industry’s ability to deliver the homes, infrastructure and economic development our region needs. The fact that construction is forecast to experience the highest growth among government priority sectors only underscores the scale and urgency of the challenge.
There is, however, reason for optimism. Skills England highlights the importance of Level 2 and Level 3 technical and vocational pathways in meeting future workforce demand. Apprenticeships remain the most effective route into construction, providing a pathway for young people while helping employers develop the skilled workforce they need.
Encouragingly, colleges across the North East are seeing strong demand for construction courses. The issue is not a lack of interest from the next generation. The challenge lies in securing enough employers willing to provide apprenticeship opportunities and turn that enthusiasm into long-term employment.
Many businesses, particularly SMEs, continue to face barriers when considering apprenticeships. Concerns around cost, administration and time commitments can discourage employers from making that investment.
The industry needs support
This is where government has a crucial role to play. The recently announced £625m investment in construction skills is a welcome first step, but apprenticeships must also be made more accessible and attractive for employers. Simplifying funding, reducing bureaucracy, and offering stronger financial support or tax incentives could help unlock opportunities at the required scale.
Northern Counties Builders Federation is playing its part. Through our Building Your Future campaign – our flagship initiative designed to promote construction careers and inspire the next generation of industry talent – we work with schools, colleges, and employers across the region to showcase construction opportunities.
We have collaborated with Hartlepool College, Northumberland College, Sunderland College and Darlington College. The campaign helps connect young people with the industry and challenge outdated perceptions. A key focus is encouraging greater diversity within the sector, particularly by attracting more women and girls into trades and professional roles that have traditionally been underrepresented. With women still accounting for only a small proportion of the construction workforce, broadening the industry’s appeal is not simply desirable; it is essential.
However, generating interest is only part of the solution. Young people are responding positively, and training providers are producing capable candidates. The real challenge is ensuring enough apprenticeship opportunities exist to allow that talent to progress into the industry. Without greater employer participation, we risk losing that talent to other sectors.
The responsibility for addressing this challenge must be shared. Employers need to invest in the future workforce, while government must create the conditions that make such investment practical and sustainable. By working together, we can close the skills gap and build a stronger, more diverse and resilient industry capable of delivering for generations to come.
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