On 18 March 2026, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker launched a new initiative to create 12,000 construction jobs, across three years, for young people across the West Midlands. The Building Growth Action Plan aims to fill a major shortage of skilled workers in the region by offering more training and apprenticeships.
The plan is supported by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), which estimates the region will need 12,000 new workers over the next three years. The initiative focuses on helping students move from full-time study into high-quality work placements. Training will be delivered through partners including the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC), led by Dudley College, to ensure young people are ready for the workforce.
Regional leaders say the new workers are needed to meet the demand for 12,200 new homes every year to address the housing crisis. The region is also benefiting from £2.4 billion in transport investment and a £160 million programme to insulate properties and lower energy bills for residents.
Developers like Morro and Green Square Accord Housing are already using apprentices for regional projects and hosted the launch of the new scheme at a development site in Sandwell. This project is expected to provide stable and well-paid career paths for the next generation of builders across the community.
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