Richard Parker says investment will fund training of more than 12,000 workers
The mayor of the West Midlands has announced a £75m skills package to train more than 12,000 construction workers over the next three years.
The training aims to contribute to the supply of key jobs such as bricklaying, engineering, design, plastering and painting, to support plans to build 12,200 new homes a year in the region.
Funding for mayor Richard Parker’s skills package is being drawn from the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) adult skills budget and a government skills mission fund for construction.
“We’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,” said Parker.
“That’s why I’m 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 knowhow. This isn’t just about construction - we’re also working on engineering, design and all the supporting roles that keep our region building.
Work is ongoing to secure additional support from the Department for Education and Construction Industry Training Board, with employer match-funding expected to play a key role in future phases.
The National House Building Council is also looking at the possibility of placing one of its training hubs in the region.
Mal Cowgill, chair of the Mayor’s Jobs Taskforce, said: “This investment is key to ensuring the construction sector can respond to the regional demand for skilled workers across the full range of trades and will make a major contribution to the Mayor’s pledge of ‘jobs for everyone’.
“It’s a fantastic example of how to support local people into employment and to promote the existing workforce into higher paid jobs, making sure employers across the West Midlands have the skills in place to drive regional growth.”
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