Labour Launches £100 Million Training Plan to Tackle UK Housing Crisis by Developing 40,000 Skilled Builders by 2029
In a bold move to address the UK’s escalating housing crisis, Labour has unveiled a £100 million investment plan aimed at training 40,000 skilled construction workers, including bricklayers, roofers, and electricians, by 2029. This strategic initiative focuses on tackling the critical shortage of construction labourers and boosting the country’s capacity to build 1.5 million new homes by the next general election.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stressed the urgent need for homegrown talent to fill the widening gap in the construction workforce. Speaking at the launch, she urged unemployed young people and those seeking a career change to “get up, get skills, and get building.” The campaign highlights the importance of British workers stepping in to support national housing and infrastructure projects, reducing reliance on overseas labour.
“The housing crisis is being exacerbated by a lack of skilled builders,” said Phillipson. “Britain cannot and should not rely on foreign labour — we must invest in our own people to build the homes, schools, and hospitals that communities desperately need.”
The plan includes the establishment of ten new Technical Excellence Colleges, dedicated to delivering high-quality vocational training tailored to the construction sector. These colleges will provide accessible routes for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) — a demographic currently accounting for 12.5% of 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK.
David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, welcomed the announcement: “This is very positive news for anyone seeking a skilled trade, for construction employers in desperate need of talent, and for the Government’s ambition to deliver 1.5 million new homes.”
The initiative aligns with Labour’s broader “Builder Better Britain” campaign, which champions the construction industry as a vital sector for economic growth and job creation. By targeting 35,000 unfilled vacancies within the building trades, the programme aims to accelerate housing development and support economic recovery.
