The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced its support for the new Infrastructure Sector Skills Plan, a cross-industry initiative aimed at tackling the UK’s growing infrastructure construction skills gap. Developed in collaboration with the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and wider industry partners, this marks the first sector-wide plan designed to address the specific skills needs of the infrastructure sector and strengthen the delivery of major national projects.
A collaborative blueprint for infrastructure Skills
The Infrastructure Sector Skills Plan sets out a comprehensive roadmap to attract new talent, upskill the existing workforce, and future-proof the infrastructure construction sector. Backed by a £2.8 million investment from CITB, the plan supports training for essential roles, including plant operatives, groundworkers, steelfixers, formworkers, and civil engineering operatives, all of which are critical to delivering the UK’s ambitious infrastructure pipeline.
The plan aligns with the Construction Skills Mission Board’s objectives, ensuring a coordinated approach to meeting current and future workforce demand. According to CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook, the UK infrastructure sector is forecast to grow by 4.2% between 2025 and 2029, requiring an additional 1,470 civil engineers each year to meet demand.
Targeted interventions to build future capacity
The plan’s implementation will be guided by the Infrastructure Sector Skills Advisory Group, a panel of industry experts responsible for identifying priorities and monitoring progress. Approved interventions already include:
- Infrastructure pipeline and taxonomy research projects to harmonise terminology, reduce duplication, and increase transferability of skills.
- Regional training alliances (hubs) in England and Wales, starting with Kent, to connect employers and training providers and shape local training provision.
- Promotion of the infrastructure sector through Go Construct, to attract new entrants and improve visibility of career pathways.
- Competence Frameworks for key operative roles, ensuring consistency, relevance, and alignment with employer and industry needs.
These initiatives aim to build a more resilient, flexible, and skilled infrastructure workforce capable of supporting the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy and delivering major national infrastructure programmes.
Supporting economic growth and national priorities
The launch of the Infrastructure Sector Skills Plan comes at a critical moment for the UK’s infrastructure construction industry. The Government has approved a record 21 major infrastructure projects in its first year, spanning clean energy, roads, and airport expansions. Ensuring the right people, with the right skills, are available to deliver these projects is vital for sustaining economic growth and achieving the UK’s net zero and housing commitments.
Mark Crosby, Head of Strategic Engagement at CITB, said: “Working collaboratively with the many sectors within construction is the only way to ensure that each sector’s skills needs are understood and addressed. Sector Skills Plans are live programmes developed with industry stakeholders, evolving to meet changing training and recruitment needs.”
Lorraine Gregory, Director of CECA Midlands, added: “The Infrastructure Sector Skills Plan is a vital step forward. By investing in and providing opportunities for the workforce of tomorrow, we can ensure the infrastructure sector continues to be the backbone of the economy and delivers a sustainable future.”
Building a skilled future
The Infrastructure Sector Skills Plan follows CITB’s Homebuilding Sector Skills Plan, launched in 2023, with further plans for Repair, Maintenance and Improvement (RMI) and Commercial, Public Non-Housing, Industrial and High-Rise Residential (CPIH) sectors. Together, these initiatives represent a long-term commitment to developing a skilled, productive, and sustainable UK construction workforce.
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