London launches £88.6m construction skills programme to help train workers for future housebuilding
A major new skills programme worth £88.6 million will fund construction training across London as City Hall looks to address labour shortages that are slowing housebuilding and infrastructure projects across the capital.
The investment, announced by the Mayor of London and funded by the Department for Education, is designed to provide more than 20,000 construction training opportunities alongside industry work placements, helping more Londoners gain the skills needed to enter the sector.
The programme comes as London faces growing demand for skilled construction workers while aiming to significantly increase the delivery of new homes over the coming years. According to the Construction Industry Training Board, the capital will need around 26,500 additional construction workers over the next five years to meet demand from housing, commercial developments and infrastructure projects.
Funding will also support colleges by upgrading training facilities and equipment, with up to £43 million allocated to improve practical learning environments and expand industry-focused education.
Alongside investment in colleges, City Hall will provide £2.5 million to trial and develop new forms of construction training created with employers, while more than 2,700 industry teaching days will see experienced construction professionals working directly with students to strengthen technical skills.
New City College will lead the programme’s construction element, while South Bank Colleges will oversee clean energy training. Together they will coordinate training providers and employers across London to ensure courses reflect the skills businesses are seeking.
The announcement also includes £3.2 million for three new virtual Pan-London Sector Hubs covering construction and the built environment, creative industries and life sciences. The hubs are intended to make it easier for employers to engage with training providers and help shape future skills provision.
Demand for specialist trades including bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation and project management continues to exceed the available workforce. At the same time, the industry is seeking more workers with green construction skills, including retrofitting buildings and installing heat pumps.
City Hall says strengthening the construction workforce will play an important role in supporting future housing delivery while helping Londoners access long-term employment in one of the capital’s largest industries.
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