The UK construction industry stands at a crossroads. With the government’s target to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years, the sector faces a skills crisis that threatens to derail these ambitious plans. A report from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) reveals that an additional 225,000 construction workers will be needed by 2027 to meet demand. Key trades such as bricklaying, carpentry, and groundworks are facing acute shortages, leaving subcontractors, homebuilders, and the wider construction industry grappling with the question: How do we build new homes without the skilled people to do it?
The construction skills gap isn’t a new problem—it’s been building for decades. An ageing workforce, combined with insufficient new entrants, and a lack of robust training pathways has left the sector struggling to replenish itself. Brexit, post-COVID pressures, and rising costs have only compounded these issues, further straining an already stretched sector.
Despite numerous initiatives aimed at addressing the skills gap—including construction-focused courses at further education (FE) colleges, Apprenticeships, and government-led programmes—the numbers tell a sobering story. Only 1 in 4 college students studying construction courses enter the sector, and the drop-out rate for construction Apprenticeships is at 47%. Meanwhile, seasoned workers are retiring, taking decades of experience with them, and leaving behind a widening skills void.
Adding to the complexity, construction struggles with an image problem. For years, it has been perceived by younger generations as a “second choice” career, failing to showcase the innovation, skill, and pride that the sector offers. Yet, this outdated view is being challenged by a new wave of inspiration, partly driven by social media and events that celebrate the craft of construction.
Contrary to the notion that young people aren’t interested in construction, millions are engaging with the industry on social media. Builders, bricklayers, and carpenters and more have become influencers, amassing huge followings on platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok by sharing their work, skills, and stories. Their videos highlight the craftsmanship and creativity involved in construction, inspiring a new generation to see the sector in a different light.
Events like Super Trowel, a bricklaying competition that celebrates speed and skill, are also playing a vital role in changing perceptions. These high-energy events attract not only seasoned tradespeople but also young spectators eager to witness the precision and artistry of bricklaying.
The challenge now is to turn this inspiration into action. There are thousands of young people in schools and colleges who want to learn a trade, but they need clear, accessible and practical pathways into the industry.
Introducing Site Ready Solutions: For The Bricklayers
Site Ready Solutions was founded to tackle these challenges head-on. Our mission is to create accessible, effective workforce development programmes that address the real needs of the construction industry. Bricklaying stands at the heart of homebuilding, forming the literal foundation of every community and skyline—it’s a craft that combines precision, strength, and artistry. That’s why we’re starting with the bricklaying trade, honouring its essential role while addressing the urgent need to support and celebrate the skilled bricklayers who shape our homes and future.
We know we need over 30,000 new Bricklayers in the homebuilding sector, which means we need around 17,000 new Labourers and Hod carriers. Our initial programme has been designed to support sub-contractors and homebuilders with meeting this demand.
At the heart of our programme are four key pillars: Attract, Train, Place, and Retain. Together, these pillars create a seamless pathway for new entrants to join the industry, while providing the support businesses need to integrate and develop their workforce.
Attract: Inspiring the Next Generation
We work to identify and attract motivated individuals who want to start their journey in construction. By partnering with sub-contractors, schools, colleges, local authorities and community groups, as well as leveraging the power of social media and events like Super Trowel, we’re showing young people the exciting opportunities that a career in construction can offer.
Train: Preparing for Day One
Our two-week training programme is designed to make new entrants productive, confident, and safe from their very first day on-site. Training includes Health & Safety awareness, site conditions, loading out, bricklaying basics, finishing brickwork, and essential skills that ensure participants are ready to contribute immediately to a Bricklaying team. Trainees also receive full PPE and a CSCS card, removing barriers to site access and ensuring compliance.
Place: Real-World Experience
A 12-week work placement provides hands-on experience with a subcontractor, allowing trainees to apply their skills in a real-world setting. We provide mentoring to the trainee as well as supporting the development of mentoring skills for the experienced bricklayer. This placement bridges the gap between training and employment, giving new entrants the confidence to succeed while supporting subcontractors with an additional, site-ready team member.
Retain: Building Long-Term Careers
Retention is key to addressing the skills gap, and our programme is designed with long-term career pathways in mind. After their placement, trainees and sub-contractors have several options – enrol in a Bricklaying Apprenticeship; join an in-work training programme leading to an NVQ; begin a permanent role as a Support Team Operative, our innovative new entry-level position
Support Team Operative – Keeping the team productive
One of our most exciting innovations is the introduction of the Support Team Operative role. Designed to support bricklaying teams, this entry-level position focuses on tasks like loading out, housekeeping, finishing, and Health & Safety. It provides a structured, accessible entry point for new workers while increasing productivity for experienced bricklayers.
By introducing this role, we’re not just filling gaps—we’re rethinking how bricklaying teams operate. Our goal is to move beyond traditional structures like price gangs and day rate gangs to create Bricklaying Teams that balance the needs of subcontractors, experienced tradespeople, and trainees. This team-based approach supports mentorship, improves efficiency, and creates a clearer pathway for new entrants to progress in the industry.
The Ageing Workforce – A Hidden Opportunity?
While attracting new entrants is critical, the construction sector must also address the other side of the equation: the ageing workforce. Many skilled tradespeople are nearing retirement, and with them goes decades of knowledge and expertise. But this challenge also presents an opportunity.
Rather than letting these skilled professionals leave the industry entirely, Site Ready Solutions believes they can be upskilled into mentorship roles. By pairing experienced tradespeople with new entrants, we can create a system where knowledge is passed down, confidence is built, and the transition into construction careers becomes smoother for young workers.
For those nearing the end of their on-site careers, mentoring can also be a stepping stone into teaching and training roles. With a shortage of instructors in colleges and training hubs, this offers a way for seasoned tradespeople to remain active in the sector while shaping its future.
The Role of Subcontractors
Subcontractors are the lifeblood of the construction industry, but they are often the ones hit hardest by the skills shortage. Many small and medium-sized businesses lack the resources to manage apprenticeships or provide the training and support needed for new entrants. Administrative hurdles, high drop-out rates, and the immediate pressures of project delivery can make it seem impossible to focus on workforce development.
This is where Site Ready Solutions comes in. Our programmes are designed to alleviate these pressures, providing practical, hands-on support that helps subcontractors integrate new workers into their teams effectively.
Supporting Section 106 Commitments
For homebuilders, we provide a practical way to meet Section 106 obligations and social value goals. By connecting developers with a trained, local workforce, we ensure that the benefits of construction projects extend to the surrounding community.
For subcontractors, we offer hands-on support to manage apprenticeships and new entrants, from administrative tasks to on-site mentorship. Our approach reduces the burden on businesses while ensuring that trainees receive the guidance they need to succeed.
Our Call to Action
The construction skills gap is a challenge that affects everyone in the industry, from bricklayers to developers. But it’s also an opportunity—a chance to innovate, inspire, and build a sustainable workforce for the future.
Site Ready Solutions is leading the way with practical, impactful programmes that address the real needs of businesses and workers alike.
We’re rolling out pilot programmes throughout 2025 and are keen to hear from Bricklayers, Subcontractors, and Housebuilders. Together, we can close the skills gap, improve productivity, and create a brighter future for the construction industry.
For more information, contact us at info@sitereadysolutions.co.uk or visit our website at www.sitereadysolutions.co.uk