£75 million to fund thousands of West Midlands construction jobs
Mayor Richard Parker says the programme will address the shortage of skilled workers as demand for new homes grows
A £75 million investment is set to fund thousands of construction jobs in the West Midlands.
The package sets out to train the 12,000 construction workers required over the next three years in jobs such as bricklaying, engineering, design, plastering and painting
Mayor Richard Parker says the programme will address the shortage of skilled workers as demand for new homes grows.
There are currently plans for 12,200 new homes across the region each year, a £2.4bn transport infrastructure programme and a £160m retrofit scheme to make thousands of homes more energy efficient.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: "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.
“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.
“As we bring investors together at the Regional Investment Summit, this is the message I’ll be taking to them: that the West Midlands is growing its own skills, backing its people, and breaking down all the barriers to investment and growth.”