As the construction industry marks National Mentoring Month this January, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is calling on building firms to step up their mentoring efforts to help tackle the sector's deepening skills crisis.
With the UK construction industry requiring an estimated 47,860 additional workers per year through to 2029, and 35% of the current workforce over the age of 50 and approaching retirement, the need to attract, train and retain the next generation of skilled tradespeople has never been more urgent.
SME construction firms train approximately three-quarters of all construction apprentices, demonstrating the sector's proud tradition of developing the workforce. However, with 61% of building firms reporting that their work has been affected by skills shortages, expanding mentoring programmes has become essential to the industry's future.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Mentoring has always been at the heart of how our industry passes on skills and values. The best builders I know learned from someone who invested their time to support and develop them.
“As we face an ongoing skills shortage, creating opportunities for experienced tradespeople to mentor others isn’t just good for individual building companies, it’s essential for the future of construction.
“Through mentoring, builders not only give back but also strengthen their own businesses by developing leadership and communication skills, building trusted networks and supporting the next generation.”
