Through a collaborative approach to recruitment and upskilling, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is committed to helping construction employers meet the industry’s workforce demands.
What if the greatest risk to your construction project isn’t the weather, supply chain delays, or rising costs, but a shortage of skilled people to get the job done?
The construction sector is the backbone of economic growth, yet it faces a challenge that threatens its very foundation: a widening skills gap and changing demographics of workers in the industry.
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According to the Construction Industry Training Board, the sector will need an additional 239,300 workers by 2029 to meet demand.
New entrants (including young people) are not entering the industry at the rate needed, and experienced professionals are retiring. We know we can attract the talent, but it’s about ensuring people have the skills needed to enter the sector.
How is DWP helping?
Recognising the scale of the challenge, DWP stands ready to support construction employers.
DWP collaborates with industry bodies, local authorities and training providers to connect employers with work-ready jobseekers, including those from underrepresented groups and people looking to reskill.
DWP offers a wide range of initiatives to support new talent entering the sector. For example, its bespoke recruitment service matches jobseekers to employers’ jobs, and its work experience placements and work trials provide the opportunity for candidates to gain valuable insight into the workplace, build skills, and assess suitability before committing to a permanent role.
Initiatives like sector-based work academy programmes (SWAPs) provide pre-employment training, work experience and a guaranteed job interview. They also equip candidates with the basics of construction, health and safety and site readiness.
SWAPs are employer-led – we work with you to understand your needs and build the course around these.
Employer engagement staff
Employers can also access support through the apprenticeship levy and benefit from DWP’s dedicated employer engagement staff and work coaches, who help source suitable candidates for employers at no cost to the business. This not only helps fill immediate gaps – it also supports diversity and inclusion, encouraging more women, ethnic minorities and disabled people into construction roles.
DWP support in action
Khristian was invited to complete an eight-day trial with Measom, after finishing a pre-employment programme delivered in partnership with The Skills Centre and DWP.
Following this initial experience, Khristian is now undertaking a second (paid) placement with Measom as part of its apprenticeship recruitment process.
This successful pathway is the result of a collaborative approach, which involves:
- DWP actively promoting both the employer and the training course, identifying and referring suitable candidates who are ready to take their first steps into employment.
- The Skills Centre delivering high-quality, sector-specific training, ensuring participants gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace.
- Measom (as the employer), providing valuable work experience and a guaranteed job opportunity for those who complete the programme.
Khristian said: “The mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience gave me the perfect foundation to start building a career in construction. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn which has helped me gain practical skills and confidence I needed to be ready to take the next step in my construction career.”
We’re determined to support people into work and build the skills the country needs to thrive. Construction is a vital sector for our economy, and by offering training and work placements, we can give people the chance to start a rewarding career.
We can only deliver the homes and infrastructure communities rely on if we have the skilled workforce to make it happen. That’s why we’re working hand-in-hand with employers to close the skills gap and open doors to secure, well-paid jobs.
Through initiatives like SWAPs, we’re backing people who want to learn a trade and backing businesses to invest in their future workforce.
Building for the future
The construction industry cannot afford to ignore skills gaps. Employers that embrace the free support available stand to gain a competitive edge – ensuring their projects are delivered safely and on time, all while helping to build a workforce fit for the future.
The time to act is now: review your workforce strategy, engage with DWP initiatives and help build a pipeline of talent ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
For more information on how DWP can support your recruitment needs, email [email protected].
Diana Johnson is employment minister at DWP.
