There’s a smarter way to recruit, one that’s already working for construction businesses across the West Midlands. The key is this: hire the right person first time, and you solve two problems at once, the vacancy in front of you, and the team you’ll need in the future.

The hidden cost of recruiting

For a lot of employers, the issue is a shortage of job-ready candidates and the time needed to recruit the right person. Getting through to offer stage, only to find a candidate is missing basic site safety credentials or simply isn’t the right fit, costs time and money you don’t have to lose. That’s why your local Jobcentre Plus Recruitment Consultant can take the hassle out of recruitment, helping you access candidates, fill vacancies faster, and build a recruitment and training plan tailored to your business.

Crucially, you don’t have to gamble on a hire.  Schemes like Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), work experience, and skills bootcamps let you shape training around your specific needs and see candidates working before you commit. Backed by funded pre-employment training, candidates arrive with the basics already covered, including health and safety and CSCS or equivalent site-readiness credentials. You get to see someone in action on your terms, before any commitment is made.

Funding for hiring young talent

For employers specifically considering young talent, there’s a strong financial incentive to act now.

Eligible businesses can access financial support to help with the costs of hiring a young person, which can include fully funded training, grants and support with wages, National Insurance and pension contributions for up to six months.

And young talent can be an asset from day one. Fresh ideas, digital confidence, plus a willingness to learn and get stuck in can genuinely strengthen your team now, not just further down the line.

Support for your existing team too

Support isn’t only for new hires. For employers looking to upskill their current workforce, Apprenticeship Units offer flexible, targeted training to help staff aged 19 and over develop the skills your business needs most.

The bottom line for your business

Whether you need to fill a vacancy this month or build a team for the next five years, getting the hire right saves you money and time. Visit business.gov.uk/recruitinconstruction to explore the full range of options and contact your local Jobcentre Plus Recruitment Consultant.

Eligibility criteria apply.