Recommendation 18

Given the scale of workforce demand in construction and retrofit, including the need for an estimated additional 250,000 workers to meet new housing targets and millions more for retrofit we recommend that Government work with CITB, Skills England, and industry to establish a nationally recognised, industry backed construction and retrofit skills programme. Evidence demonstrates that the current system lacks alignment between education and industry, and that professional pathways remain unclear to prospective entrants. Witnesses highlighted persistent diversity gaps, including women making up less than 15% of the construction workforce, and under- representation among ethnic minority groups. A national programme, backed by CITB or a comparable body, could raise the profile of construction and retrofit as mission-driven, net-zero careers, improve the attractiveness and clarity of pathways, and support higher-quality, employer-endorsed training. We recommend that Government develop such a programme to 49 inspire new entrants, support experienced workers into teaching roles, and ensure the sector attracts a wide and diverse workforce. (Recommendation, Paragraph 77) Measures aimed at demand and at boosting skills supply directly