APPRENTICESHIPS
Why investing in the next generation is not just a strategic choice – it’ s a necessity
By Chris Bailey, Group Skills Development Manager at Barratt Redrow PLC
Barratt Redrow PLC is one of the largest residential property development companies in the United Kingdom operating across England, Wales and Scotland.
Chris Bailey
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO INVEST IN THESE TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SCHEMES?
As the UK’ s largest housebuilder, investing in apprenticeships and early careers isn’ t optional – it’ s the foundation of our future.
Over a third of construction workers in the UK are already aged 50 or older, and by 2036 around 750,000 people are expected to retire 1. That’ s a huge transfer of skills and experience leaving the industry. Without a new generation coming through, we risk a major gap in expertise, productivity, and delivery.
The Skills Horizon Barometer report from Skills for Life highlights that 90 % of SMEs are experiencing some form of skills shortage, with the biggest gap – 32 % – at entry level. Across the sector, more than 140,000 vacancies remain unfilled, delaying housing and infrastructure projects 2. Looking ahead, the UK will need almost 1 million additional construction workers by 2032 just to meet demand 3. business. Our experience shows that by upskilling our workforce and embracing technical training programmes, we can address these gaps, strengthen our talent pipeline, and ensure the sector remains competitive.
Our degree apprenticeships provide us a robust and qualified talent pipeline into Commercial, Technical, and Management roles within the business. These are available for both career changers, older workers, internal talent looking to upskill, and also for the younger generation looking to enter and advance into Construction. It breaks the myth that all apprenticeships are trade based and for low academic ability, and it opens more opportunities for those wishing to join the industry.
CAN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR MEET HOUSING DEMAND WITHOUT INVESTING IN YOUNG APPRENTICES?
The construction industry is at a pivotal moment. The Labour Government has committed to delivering 1.5 million new homes by 2029, that’ s 300,000 a year, to tackle the housing shortage 4.
To meet such ambitious housing targets, we don’ t just need more people – we need the right skills. Apprenticeships across all levels and qualifications give us a way to develop our workforce, maintain quality, and embed the latest capabilities in areas like digital construction and sustainable building.
Without investing in young talent, the sector risks widening the skills gap, driving up costs, and losing critical expertise as older workers retire. Apprenticeships also help us diversify the industry and attract people who might never have seen construction as a career. So, while the sector might manage in the short term without them, the truth is clear: apprenticeships are essential if we want a sustainable, modern, and resilient construction industry.
Apprenticeships provide a direct, scalable way to nurture homegrown talent and support the development of skills in our
1
Holmes, H. & Burgess, G., 2024. Construction and Building Trades: The Skills Horizon. Places for People. Available at: https:// www. placesforpeople. co. uk / media / ae5piox1 / pfp-skills-final-report. pdf
2
Holmes, H. & Burgess, G., 2024. Construction and Building Trades: The Skills Horizon. Places for People. Available at: https:// www. placesforpeople. co. uk / media / ae5piox1 / pfp-skills-final-report. pdf
3
Holmes, H. & Burgess, G., 2024. Construction and Building Trades: The Skills Horizon. Places for People. Available at: https:// www. placesforpeople. co. uk / media / ae5piox1 / pfp-skills-final-report. pdf
4
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Available at: https:// www. gov. uk / government / news / planning-overhaul-to-reach-15-million-new-homes
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