“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.
So, here’s the question: 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 are already in short supply on sites. Moving them into training roles could weaken current delivery capacity.

Who will decide exactly where the money is to be spent?
Too many new starters leave within a short time, often discouraged by life on site or lack of progression.

This is the backdrop today on our Property Matters podcast. Maybe it should be re-named Construction Matters!
Hamish McLay is 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.

Any questions about this or future podcasts, you may even want to be a guest on one, get in touch on: hm@searchandconveysolutions.co.uk