NHBC stresses supply of skilled workers will decide UK housing future

​​​​​​​The NHBC has welcomed 50,000 new apprenticeships, but has emphasised that the supply of skilled workers will determine the nation’s housing future

Enabling builders and subcontractors of all sizes to feel confident in taking on apprentices is critical to meeting housing targets, says Roger Morton, director of Business Change at the National House Building Council (NHBC).

“Commitment from the prime minister to create 50,000 new apprenticeship opportunities is an essential step in tackling youth unemployment and supporting sectors vital to the UK’s economic future, not least construction.”

At NHBC, the emphasis is on skill to ensure the country has the workforce needed to build 1.5 million homes and achieve the Government’s ambition to “Build, baby, build!”

“The supply of skilled workers will ultimately determine whether the country can meet its housing targets,” he notes.

At the moment, cost, time and uncertainty about future work are holding the sector back. “This is why it is encouraging to see the Government expanding support for young people.

“This support is timely. The construction sector needs a rapid increase in new talent, and apprenticeships remain one of the most effective routes into long-term, high-quality careers.”

NHBC notes it is playing its part with a £100 million investment to train 3,000 new apprentices every year and the creation of 12 new multi-skilled training hubs across the UK.

The hubs use an intensive training model that enables apprentices to complete their training in just 14 to 18 months, giving young people realistic, hands-on experience and offering employers the confidence that apprentices are site-ready from day one.