For the industry to meet increasing demand, a trained, skilled and competent workforce is essential
COVID-19 has drastically changed the world we live in, yet output in the built environment sector is expected to grow with an estimated 217,000 extra workers needed by 2025 to maintain and deliver the UK’s build pipeline. Now, more than ever, we need skilled and competent people. We need to attract, develop and retain talent across the wider built environment and across a breadth of occupations to improve productivity and enable construction to thrive.
“Construction is a core sector of the economy. If we can improve its productivity, through improving its people’s skills and the retention of those skills, there is a massive benefit to be gained. There is also the opportunity for construction to make the most effective contribution to society and the environment through the skills of its people”
CLC Industry Skills Plan 2021-2025
The Industry Skills Plan for the UK Construction Sector 2021-25 sets out a series of clear actions and commitments to address this challenge, grouped under the following four areas:
- Careers
- Standards and Qualifications
- Training, Education and Development
- Culture and Working Environment
It’s about building an industry that is a great place to work with opportunities for all, where everyone is treated fairly and inclusively and with clear routes of entry and progression (both upskilling and reskilling) to attract and retain diverse talent.

“This is about plugging current skills gaps, such as bricklayers and dryliners, but we must also invest in leadership and management, digital skills and skills related to energy efficiency to boost productivity and to address growing challenges such as Net Zero carbon emissions and Building Safety. This represents a huge opportunity for construction to modernise, attract a more diverse talent pool and upskill its existing workforce.”Construction Skills Network 5-year Outlook 2021-2025
FIR Toolkit
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Training and Skills
Talentview Construction
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FIR Employment
Taking on an apprentice or trainee
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Training and Skills
10 reasons why you need to train your employees
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Training and Skills
Flexible Apprenticeships – A Case Study
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Training and Skills
Construction Talent Retention Scheme
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Training and Skills
Introduction to Social Value
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Site Environment
FIR: Leading people inclusively
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Case Study - Ardmore
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