Construction skills for residents

Build your future in construction

The West Midlands is experiencing a once‑in‑a‑generation wave of construction and regeneration - creating thousands of new job opportunities for local people.

From building new homes and transport links to retrofitting buildings for a low‑carbon future, construction offers secure careers, good pay and opportunities to progress.

Whether you’re starting out, changing career or looking to upskill, there are now more ways than ever to get involved.

If you live in the West Midlands, there are clear, supported routes to help you access real job opportunities in a fast-growing sector.

Routes into construction

• College and skills training: A wide range of construction training is delivered through further education (FE) colleges based across the West Midlands, each offering courses at different levels – including trades, technical and professional roles. Training is closely aligned with real job opportunities ensuring learners develop skills that employers need now and in the future.
• Apprenticeships and pathways for young people: Apprenticeships remain one of the best ways to start a career in construction. Programmes like Path2Apprenticeship support young people to progress into paid apprenticeship roles by offering practical experience, training and employer connections.
• Construction Gateway: the Construction Gateway programme offers free, short training programmes designed to help you move quickly into work. Courses include essential site skills and health and safety training, and all participants are guaranteed an interview with an employer at the end of the programme.

For advice about starting careers in construction and other sectors visit https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk