New findings, shared by the Department for Education as part of the Local Builders, Local Futures analysis, show pressure on construction training roles within colleges as the sector continues to grow and demand for skilled workers increases. 

The data underscores the scale of the construction sector’s teaching recruitment challenge and wider skills shortages, highlighting the need for more skilled professionals to train others in colleges. 

The analysis, delivered through the Department for Education’s Train Others in Further Education campaign, brings together further education workforce data, Construction Industry Training Board forecasts and Office for National Statistics workforce data to highlight where experienced construction professionals could help strengthen skills pipelines. 

Across England, the construction sector is expected to require approximately 36,340 additional workers each year, increasing the importance of a strong training pipeline and experienced professionals who can help prepare the next generation for careers in the industry. 

The findings show why experienced construction professionals have an important role to play. By helping colleges build training capacity now, they can support the skilled workforce needed to deliver new homes, infrastructure and wider economic growth in the years ahead. 

The campaign supports the government’s pledge to secure England’s construction future by training up to 60,000 more construction workers by 2029 and helping to deliver 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament. By encouraging experienced builders, tradespeople and construction professionals to train learners in further education, the campaign aims to strengthen the skills pipeline that underpins housebuilding, infrastructure delivery, good jobs and economic growth. 

Through training qualifications such as T Levels, colleges are looking to recruit professionals from across construction and the built environment, including bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, site managers, quantity surveyors and people with civil or structural engineering experience. 

For these roles, previous industry experience is highly valued. Many people do not need to have worked in teaching before applying, as colleges can often support successful candidates to gain a teaching qualification while working, meaning they can start passing on their skills straight away. 

One construction professional who has already made the transition shared:

Saad Farooq, a former construction industry professional who now trains others at London Design Engineering UTC, said:

“Coming back to train others at the same college where I studied has been incredibly rewarding. When I was gaining experience in architecture, I was approached by a former tutor about the opportunity to move into further education. The chance to use my industry knowledge to help other people develop their skills and confidence, while supporting their future careers, felt like a natural next step.

My experience in industry has been invaluable in helping students understand what working in the built environment is really like. I enjoy sharing real-world insights, exploring different career pathways and giving them a clearer understanding of what employers are looking for in the construction sector.

One of the most rewarding parts of the role is seeing people grow in confidence and progress into employment. I’ve also been continually impressed by the curiosity, enthusiasm and technical knowledge many students already bring, which makes the role even more rewarding.

For anyone with specialist industry expertise looking for a meaningful career, training others in FE is a fantastic opportunity. It allows you to share your knowledge, make a real difference and help prepare the next generation of professionals for successful careers in the sector.”

England already has a substantial construction workforce, and the campaign is encouraging experienced professionals to consider how the skills and knowledge built over their careers could be passed on through further education

Tim Balcon, CEO of CITB, said: “England’s construction sector needs skilled workers to support future growth, but it also needs experienced people who can help train them.

Thousands of construction professionals across the country have spent their careers solving problems, maintaining high standards and passing on knowledge to colleagues, apprentices and new starters. That practical experience is exactly what further education colleges are looking for.

Teaching in further education doesn’t mean leaving the industry behind. It’s an opportunity to share the skills and expertise that matter most on site, inspire the next generation and help build the workforce the construction sector needs for the future.”

Give your skills new life. Start training others in further education.

Find out more through the Teach in Further Education website.