Marvin OnumonuThe Federation of Master Builders (FMB) called for building firms to increase mentoring efforts as the construction industry marked National Mentoring Month in January.
Research found the UK construction sector needed 47,860 extra workers each year until 2029, with 35% of the workforce aged over 50 and heading for retirement.
Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) construction firms trained around three-quarters of apprentices, with 61% of firms reporting work affected by skills shortages.
Expanding mentoring was seen as essential for the sector.
Brian Berry, CEO of the FMB, said: “Mentoring has always been at the heart of how our industry passes on skills and values.
“The best builders I know learned from someone who invested their time to support and develop them.
“As we face an ongoing skills shortage, creating opportunities for experienced tradespeople to mentor others isn’t just good for individual building companies, it’s essential for the future of construction.”
Berry added: “Through mentoring, builders not only give back but also strengthen their own businesses by developing leadership and communication skills, building trusted networks and supporting the next generation.”
