
95% of SME home builders say apprenticeships are essential, finds HBF
The research showed that although micro businesses make up around 80% of the construction industry, less than 16% currently employ apprentices.

The research showed that although micro businesses make up around 80% of the construction industry, less than 16% currently employ apprentices.

Its Level 2 Roofer Apprenticeship will launch in September 2026, aiming to help tackle the shortage of skilled roofers in the area.

Andrew Orriss, CEO of the Structural Timber Association, discusses how the UK’s structural timber industry is playing a pivotal role in shaping the construction workplace of the future.

The aim is to address local skills shortages in construction and boost job prospects for young people.

The scheme – set up by the CITB, FMB, and Shooters Hill Sixth Form College – aims to tackle skills shortages in RMI, including green skills and retrofit.

The Construction for Women: National Site Standard for Female Operatives is the first governance-led UK framework to set out minimum expectations for how women should be supported.

Gordon Nelson, director at FMB Scotland, said: “With a shortfall of 100,000 homes and ambitious net zero targets, we urgently need to boost our building industry."

Brian Berry said: “Creating opportunities for experienced tradespeople to mentor others is essential for the future of construction.”

The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee warned the Government would miss its 2030 and 2050 targets without urgent action on the skills gap.

Workers gathered at Levett View in Hastings, Micklewell Park in Daventry and Mill View in Dereham for sessions aimed at encouraging open conversations about wellbeing.

Figures showed health cash plan claims from construction workers rose by 6% in the past year.

The funding will support a new digital learning programme, developed with Tribuco, that aims to improve build quality and close the skills gap.
| Cookie | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
| viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |
Press Esc to close.
