New Derby building skills hub gets MP thumbs-up

The launch of a new skills and training centre will help address a shortage of 250,000 construction workers according to MP Baggy Shanker, who officially opened the venue this week.

Social housing enterprise Places for People says the construction industry is facing a “crisis” as the government attempts to deliver up to 1.5m houses by the end of the current parliament, with the group’s training arm PfP Thrive hoping to train up over 200 apprentices in its first year

The provider launched a training and skills programme at 20 sites across the country in 2024.

The programme’s central hub and new academy building in Derby, located on St Christopher’s Way near Pride Park, welcomed its first cohort of students in October – and has now launched a “skills relay” initiative in an effort to highlight the “nationwide challenges” facing the UK’s construction industry.

The campaign will see a pink baton travel across the country, visiting construction sites, colleges, and skill centres. Each handover will connect learners, employers, and training providers, making the skills challenge visible across the industry, according to PfP director Tom Arey. 

“The UK’s skills shortage is a crisis for construction and housing so that’s why we have launched the Skills Relay as a call to action for every organisation to step up,” he said.

“That includes our industry peers, the supply chain, education providers and the government, as we invite more collaboration to combat the biggest threat to our sector.  

“This baton represents knowledge, progress, and opportunity. Every apprentice and learner who takes part is helping close the skills gap and secure the future of our sector.” 

The launch attracted support from MP for Derby South, Baggy Shanker, who said the arrival of the new skills hub in the city paved the way to begin fixing the skills gap in the industry.

“The skills gap is one of the biggest challenges facing our economy, and this government is determined to work alongside industry to fix it,” he said.

“What’s happening here in Derby shows exactly how that can be done – employers, educators and local people joining together to equip the next generation with skills, grow talent and build a stronger future for our city and our country.”

PfP Thrive has secured partnerships with 40 housing providers, as well as trusted education providers – including The Retrofit Academy, City & Guilds, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), and Study Academy.