Andy Burnham wants an education system that values the ‘hard hat’. This is a chance for construction to promote its diverse career paths
Once again, CIOB’s Policy and Public Affairs team made their presence felt during party conference season.
As in previous years, our in-person visits focused on the party of government and the official opposition. I was delighted to lend my support, spending time at the Labour and Conservative Party conferences Here’s my round-up.
I was reflective as I left Liverpool after the Labour Party conference as there were, naturally, a lot of announcements and conversations to process. My key takeaways were that devolution is happening – and quickly. For example, the debate around skills has evolved and it was good to hear the chancellor talk of brokerages at a regional level, something we’ve been calling for.
“I made the case that construction is a key driver of the economy – regionally and nationally – and a significant employer”
But support for employers will be critical to reversing the leakage of talent from the sector. It will be essential to see how the levy is spent to support these activities is targeted effectively. We cannot afford to miss the opportunity presented by devolution.
We look forward to working with government and mayoral authorities as proposals are developed further.
Linked to skills is support for education. A number of college principals said they have hundreds of students on their waiting lists. There’s demand for construction courses, but a shortage in capacity. This needs fixing quickly.
In terms of delivery, many of the new fiscal announcements were welcomed, but there’s an appetite to move fast. There was much more to think about, but those headlines are feeding into our work in the short-term.
The Conservative Party conference was, as you would expect, a little quieter but there seemed to be an upbeat feel among the delegates, possibly reflecting the freedom of being in opposition to develop new ideas and policies. A highlight was being invited to deliver the opening remarks at The Enterprise Forum Business Reception, where I presented written briefings from key organisations, including CIOB, to the shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith.
I made the case that construction is a key driver of the economy – regionally and nationally – and a significant employer, also providing training and apprenticeship opportunities. I added there is a need to find solid policy solutions to the challenges we face in order to get our industry going further and faster.
I was also pleased to catch up with Eddie Hughes MCIOB, a long-standing CIOB member, committee member on our External Affairs Advisory Board and a former Housing Minister. Great to get his insights on the proceedings in Birmingham this year.
Our Policy and Public Affairs team are now digesting all the intelligence, briefings and opportunities to follow up with parliamentarians, councillors and stakeholders that come from these events – and we’re already planning 2027.
Victoria Hills is CEO of CIOB.
