Mayor’s plan to train 12,000 West Midlands builders

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker says £75m is being made available to address a shortage of trained construction workers in the region.

Under the scheme, around 12,000 people will be trained in construction trades over the next three years, aiming to support a delivery target of up to 12,200 new homes across the region annually.

The announcement comes ahead of the government’s first ever regional investment summit, set to be held in Birmingham next week and jointly hosted by the mayor, the chancellor of the exchequer, and the secretary of state for business and trade.

“As we bring investors together at the regional investment summit, this is the message I’ll be taking to them: that the West Midlands is growing its own skills, backing its people, and breaking down all the barriers to investment and growth,” said Richard Parker.

“We’re heading into a construction boom that will power new jobs, new homes and new opportunities right across the West Midlands. But that growth will only last if local people have the skills to deliver it.

“That’s why I’m backing investment in training and apprenticeships – so people here get the first shot at the good jobs being created and businesses can draw on local talent with the latest skills and knowhow.”