Construction skills

Building the West Midlands future

Construction has always been at the beating heart of the West Midlands.  

It’s transforming our towns and city centres, delivering multibillion pound investment programmes, transport corridors, industrial sites and housing.

Over the next three years, the West Midlands will need 12,000 skilled construction workers, including carpenters, electricians and plumbers, as well as people for technical roles like surveying and engineering, to support this unprecedented level of investment and development.

With £75 million invested in construction skills and training, we’re helping residents access free, job‑focused training that links directly to employers, supports regeneration and ensures local people benefit from the growth happening on their doorstep.

Read more about Building for Growth - West Midlands Construction Skills Action Plan

Working in partnership

We work with colleges, training providers, employers and industry partners, including CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) and Constructing Excellence Midlands to make sure construction training focuses on the skills the industry needs most.

Dudley College of Technology, the region’s Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC), leads this work across the West Midlands. Through a network of partners, training is linked directly to major construction projects and offers clear, flexible routes into construction careers.

Fiona

Fiona Watkins is in her second year of a Level 2 architectural joinery apprenticeship is working with Woodcraft Joinery Ltd as part of her apprenticeship. She is aiming to become a qualified joiner and progress onto the Level 3 qualification.

“I enjoyed Design and Technology at school and my brother was a carpenter, so I got to see him in action first hand. I also managed to get work experience at the company I’m at now, which inspired me to pursue this apprenticeship.

“Every day is different. It suits me because I’m more of a hands-on learner. When I get my own house, I want to fit it out myself so I can be proud of what I have achieved.

“I would encourage everyone to look at apprenticeships as you learn skills while making money – and this can set you up for life.”

Jake 

Jake Fereday is working on a Level 3 plumbing and domestic heating apprenticeship at the Dudley College with Misad Plumbing and Heating Ltd. On completion he will receive a Gas Safe qualification, enabling him to work safely in the industry.

Jake aims to progress onto the Level 4 site supervisor qualification and become a heating engineer.

“I came into this apprenticeship because I can see the potential in this area of work for my future career.

“I have friends that work in the trade and the flexibility suits me as well as learning on site. The benefit is that you get paid while you learn – there are lots of skills you can learn on the way and there is always a need for a plumber.”