Andrew Pakes MP, co-chair of the Apprenticeships APPG, was speaking at a CIOB Houses of Parliament event
Construction apprenticeships must sit at the heart of government plans to tackle housing shortages, according to Andrew Pakes MP, co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships.
Speaking at a CIOB Houses of Parliament event which he sponsored, Pakes said construction apprenticeships “change lives and strengthen communities” and are essential to building the workforce needed to deliver safe, sustainable homes.
“Getting apprenticeships, skills and standards right in construction must be a core priority for Government if we are serious about delivering the housing, growth and opportunities this country deserves,” he added.
His message comes after repeated warnings that labour shortages remain one of the biggest barriers to meet the Labour Government’s ambitious target of building 1.5 million homes this parliament.
Apprentices and early-career professionals attended the CIOB event to share first-hand accounts of joining the industry, describing both the challenges they faced and the support that helped them succeed.
“Apprenticeships change lives and strengthen communities, giving people the skills and confidence they need to get on in life.”
“Meeting CIOB members and apprentices and Tomorrow’s Leaders shows how investing in skills not only opens doors for individuals, but also builds the workforce our construction sector needs to deliver safe, sustainable homes and infrastructure,” said Pakes.
“I am deeply passionate about apprenticeships because they change lives and strengthen communities, giving people the skills and confidence they need to get on in life.”
The cross-party gathering brought together MPs and peers with leaders from across the built environment, and included CIOB president Paul Gandy, Lord Andrew Mawson, a cross-bench peer who has led community regeneration projects, and Will Forster MP, a member of the Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee.
Eddie Tuttle, CIOB director of policy, external affairs and research, said engagement with Parliament remained essential heading into 2026.
“2025 has been a busy year for us at CIOB and the wider construction industry but there remains much to do as we move into 2026,” he said.
“Engaging with policymakers in Parliament is important as it enables us to connect them with our members who are working on the front line of the industry day in day out, and can talk with authority on the challenges they face and what they’d like to see change.
“Many of Government’s priorities including the ambitious housebuilding targets, rely on our industry so it’s vital that issues including skills shortages, procurement practices and building safety are given due attention and policy support.”
