Since entering office last summer, the Labour Government has put housing policy front and centre, pledging to deliver 1.5 million new homes this term. While ministers acknowledge that figure may be ambitious, there’s no doubt they’re making progress in the right direction.
But a big sticking point isn’t just land or planning; it’s people. Who’s going to build these homes? And not only that, who’s going to maintain and retrofit the ones we already have? We don’t want to fill one side of the housing bookshelf with shiny new homes while watching the other side, our existing stock, crumble through neglect and a lack of people to maintain them. We need a skilled, future-ready workforce to support both ends of the spectrum. This is where organisations like PfP Thrive can support the sector and government on its shared vision for change.
Untapped potential
While economic inactivity has fallen slightly over the past year, over 9 million people in the UK remain out of the labour market. That’s a substantial, untapped pool of talent. With targeted support and the right partnerships, like the programmes we deliver at PfP Thrive, many of these individuals can be supported into meaningful, sustained employment.
But simply offering opportunities is not enough. We must understand what’s preventing people from accessing them. Our own research – conducted across 3000 customers in 2024 – shows that bespoke, barrier-conscious training programmes are essential. For example, within our own customer base, 44% live with three or more conditions that affect their daily lives, while 76% report at least one. These individuals are ready and willing to work – and with the right support, they can thrive.
And it’s not just about training the bricklayers, electricians, and engineers of the future – it’s also about backing today’s workforce. That means investing in upskilling, embracing modern methods of construction, and supporting the shift to new materials and techniques. We’re here to help drive that change – and deliver the homes Britain urgently needs.
Challenges ahead
The government’s £600 million investment in skills is welcome and offers an opportunity for organisations like ours to play a greater role in delivering high-quality training. We’re encouraged by the focus on bootcamps and foundation apprenticeships and are already working with partners to unlock better use of the Apprenticeship Levy.
Yet challenges remain. The recent rise in National Insurance contributions could dissuade employers, particularly SMEs, from investing in apprenticeships and training. For businesses already grappling with rising costs, this could be the tipping point. If we are truly serious about closing the construction skills gap, government policy must reflect the realities faced by employers – and make investment in people not just possible, but irresistible.
Championing Diversity in Housing
There are however other underlying issues that continue to exacerbate the sector’s skills shortage. Construction continues to face cultural challenges; be that poor gender representation – with 90% of construction apprenticeships still taken up by men – or discrimination against LGBTQ+ workers or people of colour. Age is another issue- one in five workers in construction is over 55 – as is the resistance to helping those who have additional needs or barriers to work.
A strong workforce is a diverse one, and this means creating inclusive environments, supporting flexible working, and actively removing barriers to entry.
Collaboration and Debate
These points were echoed during a recent webinar we hosted with the University of Cambridge, featuring sector leaders eager to discuss solutions to the skills crisis. Mushtaq Khan, Chief Executive of the Housing Diversity Network, was clear saying that: “Diversity matters. But under-representation in the sector can be off-putting for those looking to move into construction. There’s a lack of networks, confidence, and a whole cohort of people we could empower with the right support systems.” Debansu Das of Zed Pods added that areas like offsite construction are already making headway – providing safer, more controlled and inclusive working environments that naturally attract a more diverse workforce, including more women.
A Pivotal Moment
Delivering more homes and supporting people into meaningful employment underpins the government’s growth priorities and our future success as a country. This is a defining moment for the sector. If government, industry, employers, educators and organisations like PfP Thrive can come together, we have a real opportunity. Not only to meet the 1.5 million homes promised, but to ensure we have a skilled, inclusive workforce ready to shape the homes and communities of the future.
Tom Arey is director at PfP Thrive, an organisation delivering comprehensive bespoke training programmes for the UK housing and construction sectors, as well as compliance training, trade skills apprenticeships and leadership development to meet evolving workforce needs.