Closing the Construction Skills Gap: Building the Workforce of the Future

At ARV Solutions, we’ve been supporting the sector for over 23 years, helping companies attract and retain the talent they need from an ever tighter pool of people. While our heritage covers the construction industry as a whole, we have a particular focus on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and offsite manufacturing: areas we believe will be critical in closing the gap.

Why the Gap Exists

• An ageing workforce – experienced tradespeople are retiring faster than we can replace them.

• Training drop-off – almost half of apprenticeships are never completed.

• Post-Brexit migration changes – overseas workers make up a smaller share of the labour market.

• Image problem – outdated perceptions of construction work deter potential recruits.

The Risk of Standing Still

If the shortage continues, delays, rising costs, and missed targets will become the norm. The housing sector will feel this acutely, as will the delivery of the UK’s net-zero ambitions.

Industry-Wide Solutions

1. Invest in Training and Upskilling
   Employers must support apprenticeships, short courses, and on-the-job learning, not just for new entrants, but for experienced staff adapting to emerging technologies. Many do, we need to see more.

2. Promote Construction Careers to a Broader Audience
   By targeting school leavers, career changers, and underrepresented groups, the industry can tap into fresh talent and new perspectives. Some do, and we need to see more.

3. Maximise the Potential of MMC and Offsite Manufacturing
   Offsite and modular building methods can deliver faster, safer, and more efficient projects. However, this sector has faced its share of negative press in recent years, often due to high-profile business failures rather than the quality or viability of the technology itself. Changing this narrative is vital if we’re to attract the next generation of skilled workers.

4. Make Better Use of Migration Routes
   In the short term, international recruitment can help bridge gaps while UK training programmes catch up. But most employers are unable/can’t afford the process for visas.

5. Strengthen Regional Skills Planning
   Local training hubs, employer networks, and partnerships with colleges ensure skills development matches real regional demand. Are colleges focused on modern skills needs for industrialised construction?

ARV Solutions’ Role in Closing the Gap

At ARV Solutions, we can’t solve the problem, but we do go beyond just recruiting. We provide consultancy advice to clients, helping them understand market trends, salary benchmarking, and talent attraction strategies.

Our long-standing membership of the Structural Timber Association (STA) and the Modular & Portable Building Association (MPBA) keeps us at the forefront of MMC and offsite innovation. This means we can share informed, practical knowledge with both clients and candidates, helping employers attract the right talent and helping candidates future-proof their careers.

By working with businesses who are embracing innovation, we’re also helping to improve the reputation of the offsite sector. We highlight success stories, showcase quality projects, and connect employers with skilled professionals who can deliver consistent results.

The CITB’s £1.15 billion four-year strategy is a big step forward, but closing the skills gap will require a united effort from employers, recruiters, training providers, and government.

For us, it’s about matching the right people to the right roles, and supporting both to grow. With over two decades in the sector, deep industry connections, and a specialist focus on MMC and offsite, ARV Solutions is here to help the construction industry build a stronger, smarter, and more sustainable workforce.