Industry leaders came together at a recent Building Brum and CIOB event to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing the construction sector: ensuring it has the workforce needed to deliver the UK’s ambitious pipeline of housing, infrastructure and regeneration projects.
Hosted by Howells and chaired by Ellie Jenkins of Akerlof, the panel brought together Ray O’Sullivan of Caddick Construction, Rebecca Young head of skills and inclusion (SupplyChain) at HS2 Ltd, Helen Collins, chair of the Mayor of the West Midlands’ Homes Taskforce and principal & managing director, Midlands, head of UK Living and Affordable Housing at Avison Young, and Dav Bansal of Howells.
The discussion focused on how industry, education providers and government can work together to address skills shortages and build a stronger talent pipeline across the West Midlands.
Collins highlighted the unprecedented levels of public investment coming into the region, alongside new devolved powers that are helping unlock housing and infrastructure projects. However, she stressed that delivering on those ambitions will depend on having the skilled workforce to match, saying the challenge is “connecting public investment with the people and skills needed to turn ambition into reality”.
Ray O’Sullivan said the industry’s ageing workforce means attracting new entrants has become increasingly urgent, with more than a third of construction workers now aged over 50. He argued that construction must do more to promote the breadth of careers available across the sector.
“We need to change how we sell our industry,” he said.
Dav Bansal said careers in the built environment continue to be overlooked by many young people, despite the variety of opportunities on offer. At the same time, many graduates are finding it increasingly difficult to secure their first role, exposing a disconnect between education and industry needs. “Ultimately, without opportunities for these graduates, we risk compromising our lasting legacy and our ability to deliver impact at pace and scale.”
Rebecca Young drew on HS2’s experience to highlight the importance of developing diverse talent pipelines, noting that skills shortages affect technical, professional and administrative roles as well as site-based occupations. She said closer collaboration between employers, education providers and government will be essential to addressing future workforce needs.
Apprentices, mentoring and MMC
Apprenticeships featured prominently throughout the discussion. O’Sullivan pointed to mentoring programmes and structured support at Caddick Construction as key to improving apprenticeship completion rates, while Young highlighted the importance of recognising the wider challenges many young people face as they begin their careers.
Panellists also welcomed the growing role of T Levels, industry placements and other alternative routes into construction, describing well-planned work experience as an important bridge between education and employment.
During the audience question-and-answer session, delegates discussed how major regional projects can create lasting benefits for local communities. Panellists agreed that skills and apprenticeship commitments should be embedded throughout project supply chains, while recognising the need to support SMEs in delivering them.
The discussion also explored the role of modern methods of construction in improving productivity and supporting housing delivery. However, speakers agreed that innovation should complement, rather than replace, traditional construction skills.
The event concluded on an optimistic note, with panellists agreeing that while significant investment and political support are creating major opportunities across the West Midlands, long-term success will depend on developing the skilled workforce needed to deliver them.
