Addressing the UK’s Construction Skills Shortage: How COTS Training Can Help Build the Workforce of the Future
- COTS Team
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
The UK construction industry is at a pivotal moment. With the government’s ambitious plans to build 1.5 million homes by 2030 and retrofit five million more under the Warm Homes Plan, the demand for skilled construction workers has reached critical levels.
According to recent estimates from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the UK will need an additional 140,000 construction workers every year for the next five years—just to meet national housing and energy efficiency targets. That includes 61,000 new workers annually for housebuilding alone.
At COTS Training, we recognise the scale of this challenge—and the opportunity it presents for both new entrants and experienced professionals looking to upskill.
Why Is There a Skills Shortage?
The shortage is being driven by several converging factors:
Increased demand for labour due to new housing and retrofit initiatives.
Difficulty retaining skilled workers, with the industry losing as many as it gains annually.
Complex training pathways, fragmented across subcontractors, colleges, and private providers.
Lack of visibility for young people entering the industry or those seeking to retrain.
As a result, roles such as bricklayers, scaffolders, groundworkers, plumbers, and machine operators are in short supply—slowing down projects and increasing building costs across the country.
The Real-World Impact
The BBC recently highlighted the challenges facing construction apprentices and employers alike. Plumbing apprentice Will Cunningham, 24, shared his story of applying to over 20 companies before landing a role. Meanwhile, industry leaders like Mike Keaveny (Director of Land & Development at Grainger) spoke of having to delay projects and pivot to modular construction due to labour shortages.
The message is clear: the construction industry urgently needs trained, job-ready workers - and it needs them now.
How COTS Training Can Help
At COTS Training, we specialise in delivering high-quality, accredited courses designed to meet real industry needs. Whether you're entering the workforce for the first time or looking to progress your career, our programmes provide the practical knowledge and certifications employers are looking for.
We offer training in:
Plant Operations
Safe Excavation
Health & Safety Awareness
Manual Handling
NPORS
Site Safety Plus Courses
...and much more
Our training is delivered by experienced instructors and tailored to ensure you leave confident, compliant, and ready for site work.
Bridging the Gap, Building the Future
Now more than ever, construction needs a coordinated effort between government, employers, and training providers to close the skills gap. At COTS Training, we are committed to being part of the solution.
Whether you're a jobseeker, apprentice, or employer looking to develop your team, we’re here to help you build a stronger future.
📞Call us on 01792 587250 📧Email info@cotstraining.co.uk
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