2 minutes reading time
(380 words)
Property Matters: “£600m for Construction Skills – Gamechanger or Yet More Growing Pains?”
“Rachel from accounts” has just signed off on £600 million for construction skills training - and reactions have been mixed. Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves may be aiming to show bold intent. However, for many in the sector, there’s a familiar feeling: big headline, big number, yet serious questions remain about whether it will truly make a difference.
The construction industry has seen this pattern before. Ambitious pledges, high expectations, then the same obstacles — too few workers, limited skills, and insufficient support on the ground to deliver at scale.
Yes, investment is welcome. The demand for skilled workers is undeniable across housebuilding, retrofitting, and infrastructure. More people entering the industry sounds positive, though it’s not just about volume. Build quality has been under scrutiny for years. Whether you’re in conveyancing, development, or planning, you’ve likely come across the consequences of substandard workmanship.
So, the question remains: can this investment help raise standards, or are we risking more of the same?
A major concern is training delivery. The most knowledgeable and skilled individuals - the ones who know how to do the job properly - are already in short supply on sites. Moving them into training roles may support future growth yet could weaken current delivery capacity. Striking the right balance won’t be easy.
Who will decide exactly where the money is to be spent? Will this be part of a joined-up, long-term strategy or just another short-lived initiative?
Training people is only half the battle - retaining, supporting, and ensuring they’re part of a respected sector is equally important. Too many new starters leave within a short time, often discouraged by life on site or lack of progression.
This is the backdrop to what we will discuss on our Property Matters podcast, live at 1pm tomorrow. Maybe it should be re-named Construction Matters!
Hamish McLay will be joined in conversation by Michelle Carr, known for her straightforward, no-nonsense approach. We’ll be reasoning what this funding might actually achieve - and what still needs to be addressed. Gareth Wax, our chair, Producer and Director, will also guide the session and keep the discussion focused.
It’s not about easy answers. It’s about having the right conversation — at the right time — for an industry that urgently needs clarity, consistency, and confidence.
The construction industry has seen this pattern before. Ambitious pledges, high expectations, then the same obstacles — too few workers, limited skills, and insufficient support on the ground to deliver at scale.
Yes, investment is welcome. The demand for skilled workers is undeniable across housebuilding, retrofitting, and infrastructure. More people entering the industry sounds positive, though it’s not just about volume. Build quality has been under scrutiny for years. Whether you’re in conveyancing, development, or planning, you’ve likely come across the consequences of substandard workmanship.
So, the question remains: can this investment help raise standards, or are we risking more of the same?
A major concern is training delivery. The most knowledgeable and skilled individuals - the ones who know how to do the job properly - are already in short supply on sites. Moving them into training roles may support future growth yet could weaken current delivery capacity. Striking the right balance won’t be easy.
Who will decide exactly where the money is to be spent? Will this be part of a joined-up, long-term strategy or just another short-lived initiative?
Training people is only half the battle - retaining, supporting, and ensuring they’re part of a respected sector is equally important. Too many new starters leave within a short time, often discouraged by life on site or lack of progression.
This is the backdrop to what we will discuss on our Property Matters podcast, live at 1pm tomorrow. Maybe it should be re-named Construction Matters!
Hamish McLay will be joined in conversation by Michelle Carr, known for her straightforward, no-nonsense approach. We’ll be reasoning what this funding might actually achieve - and what still needs to be addressed. Gareth Wax, our chair, Producer and Director, will also guide the session and keep the discussion focused.
It’s not about easy answers. It’s about having the right conversation — at the right time — for an industry that urgently needs clarity, consistency, and confidence.
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