Mayor Richard Parker has announced a \u00a375m skills programme to train more than 12,000 people over the next three years to address the region\u2019s shortage of construction workers.<\/p>\n
The scheme will cover trades such as bricklaying, plumbing, carpentry, painting, and plastering, as well as technical roles in engineering, design, and surveying.<\/p>\n
Industry figures say thousands of additional workers are needed each year, as the region prepares for a construction boom.<\/p>\n
Plans include building 12,200 new homes annually, a \u00a32.4bn transport infrastructure programme, major projects like the East Birmingham Sports Quarter, and a \u00a3160m retrofit initiative to make thousands of homes more energy efficient.<\/p>\n
The funding comes from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) adult skills budget and a government construction skills mission fund, as part of a wider \u00a3100m investment in regional skills.<\/p>\n
Mayor Parker said: \u201cWe’re heading into a construction boom that will power new jobs, new homes and new opportunities right across the West Midlands. But that growth will only last if local people have the skills to deliver it. That\u2019s why I\u2019m backing investment in training and apprenticeships – so people here get the first shot at the good jobs being created and businesses can draw on local talent with the latest skills and know-how. This isn\u2019t just about construction – we\u2019re also working on engineering, design and all the supporting roles that keep our region building.\u201d<\/p>\n
The programme will be led by Dudley College\u2019s Technical Excellence Hub, one of just 10 colleges in the country designated to focus on skills most needed by construction firms.<\/p>\n
Its Construction Apprenticeship Training Centre offers workshops for bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, painting, and decorating, all developed in partnership with employers.<\/p>\n
Diana Martin, Dudley College chief executive said: \u201cDudley College of Technology is proud to be supporting the Mayor\u2019s plans for growth. Through our role as the region\u2019s Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) we will be working to boost both the range and quality of construction training across the West Midlands.\u201d<\/p>\n
The skills package will build on existing initiatives like Path 2 Apprenticeship and Construction Gateway, supporting both new entrants and upskilling the current workforce.<\/p>\n
It also aims to meet growing demand from local employers and ensure the West Midlands has the skilled workforce needed to deliver the Mayor\u2019s Growth Plan.<\/p>\n
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