Birmingham initiative launched to support construction skills pipeline

The Birmingham and Solihull Construction Skills Alliance has been launched to help address skills shortages across the region. 

Jointly led by Birmingham City Council and South and City College Birmingham (SCCB), the initiative aims to promote collaboration across the construction industry and support the skills pipeline. 

The Alliance will bring together developers and main construction contractors, skills and recruitment partners and industry bodies to help identify the roles and training needed both now and in the future. 

SCCB will design new apprenticeships and training to equip regional recruits with the skills they need to gain long-term employment.

The Alliance will also offer SMEs support to employ apprentices and make use of levy funding available.

Councillor Sharon Thompson, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This partnership is supporting the Council and the city’s aim to help deliver a diverse range of skills to help our young people access long-term employment in the city. 

“The construction pipeline in Birmingham is ambitious with HS2, the redevelopment of Smithfield and more, changing the landscape of the city, and we want our young professionals to be part of this future. 

“This is a vital step for Birmingham and the wider region. As a council, working closely with our partners, we are committed to tackling the challenges we face in the construction sector by aligning how we work to avoid duplication and maximise skills and training for our young population. Allowing the city, and population, to develop to its full potential.”

For more information on the Construction Skills Alliance, visit www.sccb.ac.uk/employers.