Youth unemployment is rising, not because young people lack ambition, but because construction businesses increasingly cannot afford to employ and train them, argues Craig Bell, CEO of Bell Group. 

The success of the government’s construction skills package will depend on employers increasing recruitment

Nearly half of young people are now considering a career in the construction and trade sectors, as rising youth unemployment and concerns over job security push more 16- to 25-year-olds towards hands-on skilled work.

CITB has launched a new accelerated apprenticeship programme aimed at increasing the supply of skilled workers for housebuilding and addressing regional construction skills shortages.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has revealed it supported more than 30,000 apprentices through grant funding in 2025-26, while its New Entrant Support Team (NEST) helped deliver a 43% rise in…

More than 400 young people in London are being helped to build a career in the built environment thanks to a major social mobility programme funded by the Construction Workers Charitable Trust.

A selection of readers’ comments about news and issues in the industry from across the CIOB community and social media.

Falkirk Council and local employers are highlighting the importance of apprenticeship roles ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2-6 March).

National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to celebrate how vital apprenticeships are to developing a skilled, competent and safety-conscious workforce, writes Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation. 

Teenagers are ditching the traditional idea of success defined by job titles and management, according to new research from Barratt Redrow. 

HS2 has exceeded its target of creating 2,000 apprenticeships on the high-speed rail project.

Construction leaders have once again raised concerns over proposed changes to apprenticeships in England.

A selection of readers’ comments about news and issues in the industry from across the CIOB community and social media.

Construction employers must rethink the narrative around a ‘skills shortage’ and instead focus on stronger collaboration with training providers, according to South & City College, Birmingham.

Experience is one of construction’s most valuable resources, so passing it on is key to securing a skilled and resilient future workforce.

Andrew Pakes MP, co-chair of the Apprenticeships APPG, was speaking at a CIOB Houses of Parliament event

Nylah Achampong explains what attracted her to an apprenticeship in the built environment and why she’s passionate about inspiring other young people.

A £725m package of reforms to the apprenticeship system will help to tackle youth unemployment and drive economic growth, according to the government.