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CONSTRUCTION

The construction industry in the South West faces a significant recruitment challenge, with an annual workforce growth requirement of 3.4%, exceeding the UK average of 1.9% 

This equates to an urgent need for 8,480 new workers each year, with total demand projected to reach 42,400 additional workers by 2028. 

Plymouth, in particular, has substantial skills demand, driven by a major construction pipeline that includes an ambitious housebuilding programme and multi-billion-pound redevelopments at Devonport Dockyard and Derriford Hospital.

To help meet this demand, the College has significantly expanded capacity in high-demand areas such as bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, and electrical installation. Annual enrolments on construction courses now exceed 1,500, with full-time 16-18 construction numbers more than doubling over the past four years to over 670 in 2025/26. 

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To create clear pathways into the industry, we have partnered with Kier Construction to deliver the Hard Hat Ready course, supporting individuals furthest from the labour market into construction careers. We have also continued our collaboration with Building Heroes to support veterans transitioning into the sector. 

In the coming year, we will maintain our focus on developing work-ready individuals across key trades by expanding our full-time provision, Skills Bootcamps, Apprenticeships, and T Level programmes. We will also work closely with the South West Construction Technical Excellence College (Exeter College) to grow capacity and respond to regional demand. 

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Target: To address the skills needs in the sector and meet the volume of skilled workers in the sector, the College will increase the volume of construction Apprenticeship starts, including on the new Apprenticeship units, by 8% in 2026/27. 

Get in touch

Main Campus
City College Plymouth

Kings Road, Devonport, Plymouth, PL1 5QG

Give us a call on: 01752 305300

E-mail us at: info@cityplym.ac.uk