The Construction Skills Network has published it forecasts and analysis for 2022-26, which provides market intelligence and insights for the industry. The data highlights trends and shows how the industry will change year on year, allowing governments and businesses to understand the current climate and plan ahead for the future.

Some key facts from the UK report:
•    An extra 266,000 workers will be required to meet projected UK construction demand by 2026 (53,200 workers per year)
•    Construction employment would reach a high of nearly 2.78 million workers by 2026 if projected growth is met
•    Growth is predicted across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
•    All major sectors are forecast to experience recruitment pinch points as demand soars with private housing, infrastructure and repair and maintenance most affected

George Swann FIS Skills and Training Lead explains:

This data helps us identify the recruitment challenges for the years ahead based on the predicted growth of the construction industry.  However, the Construction Skills Network data does not directly align to all of the 37 occupations employed within the finishes and interiors sector, so we also consider the latest Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card registration data and information collected from various FIS surveys, we emphasise the figures reported by FIS are our best estimates.  The sectors occupations are approximately 10% of the recognised roles available in the Construction Industry and its been identified approximately 50% of the sectors workforce are not CSCS registered.  FIS will continue to support employers to qualify their workforce, take a look at the FIS Skills Hub: https://www.thefis.org/skills-hub/ or give us a call on 0121 797 0077 or email info@thefis.org

• DfE are making it simpler for individuals to accelerate their apprenticeship.  By improving how providers assess prior learning and experience at the start of the programme and funding providers to deliver a robust assessment apprentices will be able to cut out training they do not require and complete their apprenticeship more quickly.
• DfE are introducing a new minimum number of off-the-job training hours.  From 01 August, the minimum time spent on off-the-job-training will no longer be linked to the apprentice’s working hours.  Instead, DfE will have a consistent figure, irrespective of the hours worked by the apprentice. This will be 6 hours per week.  This change will simplify the reporting for providers and create a level-playing field among apprentices who are on the same standard but working different hours.
• DfE are changing English and maths requirements for those Level 2 apprentices who start with the lowest level of prior attainment in English and maths.  People who start a L2 apprenticeship without L1 English and maths will no longer need to automatically attempt L2 English and Maths tests to complete their apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship funding rules are published in draft on gov.uk to give providers and employers an opportunity to provide feedback on how we can make them better understood.  Please email any suggestions to fundingrules.comments@education.gov.uk by 24 June 2022.