A multi-million
pound fund to help tackle the construction skills shortage has been launched by the Skills Minister Anne
Milton.
With 158,000 new
construction jobs expected to be created in the UK over the next five years,
the £22million Construction Skills Fund will bring training to construction
sites - allowing learners to apply their knowledge in a real-world environment.
This will help meet
the needs of employers and tackle the construction skills shortage, while also
supporting those who want to join the industry, particularly adult learners.
The 18-month scheme
is funded by the Department for Education and will be administered by the
Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
Skills Minister Anne
Milton said: "For our economy to thrive we need everyone, regardless of
their age or background, to be able to get the training and the skills they
need to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.
"The Government
has committed to building 300,000 new homes a year by the mid-2020s and we want
to make sure that we are investing in the UK skills base to deliver this."
A career in
construction offers the chance for many people to establish and grow their own
business.
On-site training
will be hugely beneficial for employers and trainees, as it will help bridge
the gap between training and working in the industry, meaning trainees are
site-ready sooner.
The fund forms a
vital part of the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy – a long-term plan to
build a Britain fit for the future by helping businesses create jobs in every
part of the UK.
It underlines the
Government’s commitment to improving education standards for everyone, so they
can gain the skills they need to succeed and can secure good jobs.
The fund aims to
support:
- 20 on-site training hubs
- Work experience and
placements for people working to join the industry
- Entry pathways for those
currently unemployed
- Pathways for career
switchers.
CITB is now calling
on employers, housing associations and other interested bodies such as LEPs and
local authorities to submit expressions of interest. These can be from both
existing and prospective on-site learning hubs.
The funding will
only support on-site training provision, and access to live construction
projects is essential to qualify.
Steve Radley, Policy
Director at CITB, said: "The Construction Skills Fund is a milestone
scheme for the sector and provides a significant investment in skills and
training. It will help attract new talent and bridge the gap between training
and working in the industry.
"Having
training on or near to major projects will reveal what an exciting sector this
can be, while also putting new talent in the shop window.
"We want all
interested organisations to submit Expressions of Interest that are innovative,
collaborative and with training at their heart. We will support applicants
through the process and provide expert guidance to apply to the fund.
"We are pleased
to help deliver this major new project and we are confident that, with industry
support, it can help meet construction’s skills needs now and in the
future."
