Could you help shape construction’s future workforce? 

There is a government pledge to secure the future of England’s construction industry by training 60,000 new professionals, as well as a commitment to deliver 1.5 million homes by 2029. 

Therefore, the Teach in Further Education (FE) and Skills for Life campaigns are calling on young people and career changers to explore construction. Experienced workers – from carpenters to bricklayers – are also needed to bring their skills into FE teaching, while employers must invest in training and future talent.

FE is education for learners aged 16 and over who are not in school or studying for a degree. In settings such as colleges, FE offers diverse teaching opportunities across a range of technical and vocational subjects to help prepare learners for work in their chosen field. 

In construction, FE teaching covers everything from site management and surveying to health and safety. 

Without experienced professionals stepping into teaching roles, learners miss out on the practical, real-world knowledge that makes training truly effective. 

FE teaching offers a meaningful route for those with real-world experience to pass on their skills, support the next generation of construction talent and strengthen the future of the sector.

As an FE teacher, you’ll be helping students gain qualifications such as T-levels, apprenticeships and entry-level courses.

However, FE teaching doesn’t mean leaving your career behind. Many professionals teach part-time or alongside their current role, supported by flexible contracts. 

You don’t always need a degree or prior teaching qualifications to start teaching in FE. You can train on the job and start earning immediately. 

It is also ideal for those approaching retirement, seeking a less physically demanding role, or wanting to make a meaningful impact while staying connected to the industry.

Bridging the construction skills gap is not just an industry challenge, it’s a national priority. The Department for Education’s Skills for Life campaign is helping individuals and employers across the country access the training and support they need to thrive.

By championing training and employment schemes – including T-levels, apprenticeships, skills bootcamps, higher technical qualifications and FE teaching – Skills for Life aims to ensure the sector has the talent it needs.

FE teaching is one way experienced professionals can help close the skills gap, but it’s part of a bigger picture. 

Employers across the sector are also investing in a range of training and employment schemes, from apprenticeships to T-levels, and mentoring to build a strong talent pipeline. This collaborative approach shows how sharing knowledge benefits both learners and businesses.

If you want to inspire the next generation of workers in the field you love, visit the Teach in FE website.

Find out more about Skills for Life and how it supports careers in construction here.