A new action plan has been unveiled to address infrastructure and construction skills needs.
The Infrastructure Sector Skills Plan has been shaped by the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and wider industry partners, with support from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
The plan sets out a roadmap to attract new talent, upskill the existing workforce, and ensure the sector is equipped to meet future demand.
It also aligns with and supports the delivery of the Construction Skills Mission Board’s objectives.
The plan addresses several challenges, including attracting new entrants into the sector and improving the quality and availability of training.
CITB is investing £2.8 million in the plan, which will support training for essential roles such as plant operatives, steelfixers, groundworkers, formworkers and civil engineering operatives.
The Infrastructure Sector Skills Advisory Group – comprising a panel of industry experts – will guide the plan’s implementation.
Some of the approved interventions so far include:
- Infrastructure pipeline and taxonomy research projects to help overcome differences in terminology, avoid duplication of effort and increase transferability of roles and skills.
- Training alliances (hubs) across England and Wales, with the first being approved in Kent, to bring civil engineering employers and training providers together to identify skills needs and aggregate demand to shape local training provision.
- Promoting the infrastructure sector to attract new entrants through Go Construct.
- Developing and maintaining competence frameworks for key operative roles in civil engineering and infrastructure, in collaboration with employer bodies and industry experts to ensure relevance and accuracy.
Collaborative approach
Mark Crosby, head of strategic engagement at CITB, said: “Working collaboratively with the many sectors within the construction industry is the only way to ensure that each sector’s skills needs are understood and addressed properly.
“That is what Sector Skills Plans are all about – they’re live programmes of activity developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders and employers.
“They will continuously evolve to meet the changing skills, training and recruitment needs of each sector.
“Collaboration between CITB, employers, and other stakeholders is essential to developing sustainable solutions to support the industry and address the skills gap.
“To support the development of Sector Skills Plans, we have been providing investment, linking in existing services, and ensuring that employer voices shape the direction of support.”
‘Right people in the right places’
Lorraine Gregory, director of CECA Midlands, added: “The Infrastructure Sector Skills Plan represents a vital step forward in tackling the skills challenges our industry faces, and will help to ensure the right people are in the right places to deliver the substantial pipeline of work that exists in the years ahead.
“CECA believe industry, government and education providers must work together to ensure clear pathways are available for people to enter and progress in civil engineering.
“We have been delighted to work with CITB and infrastructure employers in formulating the Sector Skills Plan.
“It is only by investing in and providing opportunities to the workforce of tomorrow that the infrastructure sector can play its role as the backbone of the wider economy, and deliver the high-growth, sustainable economy we all want to see.”
