The Construction Skills Mission Board plans to recruit 100,000 new construction workers annually by the end of the parliamentary term.

Backed by a £100 million investment from the Department for Education, the initiative aims to enhance the skills of builders, bricklayers, electricians, carpenters, and plumbers, many of whom are already in the industry, by 2029.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the need for skilled workers to fulfill the demand for homes, schools, and hospitals, highlighting the government's commitment to developing homegrown talent.

Industry leaders, including David Hughes and Tim Balcon, expressed positive sentiments regarding the investment in construction technical colleges, viewing it as essential for regional growth and job creation.

Tim Balcon, CEO of the Construction Industry Training Board, praised the initiative as a transformative opportunity for local vocational training, which will contribute to regional growth.

However, Shadow education minister Saqib Bhatti criticized the government's announcement, arguing it falls short of delivering secure jobs and addressing rising unemployment.

A recent survey revealed a decline in construction firms funding training for workers, dropping from 57% in 2011 to 49% in 2024, underscoring the need for such initiatives.

The ten colleges selected for this initiative are located in various regions across England, including Derby, Suffolk, Greater London, Sunderland, Wigan, Kent, Exeter, Bedford, Dudley, and Leeds.

In addition to this plan, the Government previously set a target to train 60,000 construction workers and plans to recruit 100,000 more each year through the Construction Skills Mission Board by the end of Parliament.

David Hughes, CEO of the Association of Colleges, praised the investment in colleges as vital for providing good job opportunities and supporting the construction sector.

The Government has unveiled a plan to establish technical colleges across England, aiming to train 40,000 construction workers as part of a broader initiative to build 1.5 million new homes during the current parliamentary term.

This initiative complements an earlier target to train an additional 60,000 construction workers and is part of efforts to reduce reliance on foreign labor in the industry.