West Midlands mayor launches plan to fill 12,000 construction roles

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has launched a Building Growth Action Plan targeting 12,000 construction jobs over the next three years, backed by £75m in additional training funding and plans to unlock further private investment, responding to a regional construction surge with 23 new site starts recorded in 2025.

Insider Media reported that the Deloitte Birmingham Crane Survey 2026 recorded the highest number of new starts in five years, more than double the previous year. The Construction Industry Training Board estimates the region needs 12,000 construction workers over the next three years to meet demand generated by increased building activity.

Parker said whilst the future feels uncertain for many, construction offers a well-paid, stable career for life. He noted that whether working with bricks and mortar or in engineering and design, there are huge opportunities, with the region now experiencing a construction boom.

Parker added he is determined to ensure local people are at the front of the queue to secure vital jobs literally building the West Midlands and Britain. He stated the Building Growth Action Plan will bring together investment and partners to deliver the skilled pipeline of talent the industry needs, powering new jobs, building new homes and creating opportunities to drive investment, growth and prosperity across the region.

The plan aims to bridge the skills gap by creating more training placements in construction and strengthening transition from full-time study into work through industry placements. The initiative will be led by key partners and businesses in the construction sector, working together to grow a pipeline of emerging talent.

The strategy builds on the recently launched Construction Technical Excellence College led by Dudley College.

Access complete workforce development strategy and training partnership details for the regional initiative.