Industry leaders warn of construction skills shortage at Exeter summit

A summit hosted by Exeter College has brought together nearly 200 industry leaders, educators, and construction experts who believe the South West faces a growing shortage of skilled construction workers. 

The inaugural “Constructing the Future” Summit, held at the college’s Sandy Park campus on 14 November, aimed to explore how the region can train enough workers to deliver thousands of planned homes and major infrastructure projects.

Speakers at the event, including representatives from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Homes England, warned that without a strong pipeline of trained workers, the region risks falling short of government housebuilding targets and planned infrastructure expansion. 

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They stressed the urgent need for both new entrants to the sector and upskilling programmes for existing staff.

Exeter College, which trains more than 1,500 construction learners across apprenticeships, T-Levels, and full-time courses, showcased its role in preparing the next generation of workers. 

The College has recently received Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) status from the Department for Education, recognising its curriculum quality and strong links with employers.

Organisers said the summit was also intended to strengthen collaboration between education providers, industry, and local authorities, ensuring that training aligns with the scale and pace of upcoming housing and infrastructure developments across the South West, including proposed new towns in Exeter, Bristol, and Plymouth.

International delegates, exhibitors, and local school pupils also contributed to discussions

Representatives from housebuilders, skills organisations, local authorities and the British Council attended, alongside an international delegation from Nepal. 

Speakers highlighted the scale of demand for skilled workers needed to meet government housebuilding targets, describing the current shortage as one of the sector’s biggest barriers to delivery. 

Year 6 pupils from Exwick Heights Primary School also received a standing ovation after presenting their “Towns of the Future” vision to delegates.

The College recently received Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) status from the Department for Education, recognising its curriculum and employer partnerships.

Mike Blakeley, Executive Director of Future Skills and Apprenticeships at Exeter College, said collaboration was vital for meeting future workforce demand and ensuring young people can access opportunities created by planned developments.

Danny Clarke, England Engagement Director at CITB, told the event that the sector urgently needs both new entrants and upskilling programmes for existing workers. 

He said colleges like Exeter College play a key role in ensuring learners are “site ready” for construction work.

Homes England Assistant Director Joe Wharton said the region is delivering nationally significant housing projects and stressed the importance of a reliable pipeline of trained workers to support them.

Peter Sadler, Managing Director of Vistry Group South West, described the demand for housing in the region as among the highest in the country and said expanding training routes is essential to meeting future construction needs.