The principal of a Kent college is making a significant plea to the government. He emphasizes the urgent need to invest in more bricklaying teachers. This call stems from the government's pledge to build 1.5 million homes in England by the next election. However, there are concerns about a potential shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry.

How Courses at Mid Kent College Help

Mid Kent College offers a range of vocational courses such as bricklaying, plumbing, and carpentry for students aged 16 - 18. Additionally, it provides adult education and apprenticeships. Currently, around 800 teenagers are studying construction skills courses at the college. Staff claim that the demand is so high that there could easily be 2,000 students. The Construction Industry Training Board estimated that the government's homebuilding plans would require up to 159,000 more workers. This is in addition to the 250,000 already needed to meet other forecasted building works through to 2028.

The Challenge of Recruiting Teachers

Mr. Cook, the college principal, highlights the challenge of finding people to teach courses like bricklaying. His budget limitations mean that staff would earn "around £20,000 less" in the classroom compared to what they could earn on a building site. He states that with the current funding, it is impossible to compete with those salaries. There is a perfect storm where many organizations need skilled and qualified staff, but there aren't enough young people coming through the right routes yet. The college could offer more courses if the government increased investment in teachers' wages. It is already doing a lot for local employers and is willing to do even more with the right support.

The Pay Gap for FE Teachers

Mr. Cook adds that the government gave academic teachers a pay rise shortly after the general election. On average, a teacher in further education earns about £10,000 less than their equivalent in a school. The MP for Gillingham and Rainham, Naushabah Khan, has visited the college and pledged to raise the issue with the government. She believes that investing in vocational skills is crucial for the government's ambitious plans to build 1.5 million new homes and for huge infrastructure development. A Department for Education spokesperson states that they are driving forward their plan for change by investing in education and reforming skills provision. They offer a targeted retention incentive of up to £6,000 after tax annually for eligible early career construction teachers working in FE colleges. The Taking Teaching Further programme also supports those with relevant knowledge and/or industry experience to retrain as FE teachers, including those from construction.

The CITB's Efforts

The CITB is working closely with the government to meet the demand. Most recently, in partnership with the government and the National House Building Council, they launched homebuilding skills hubs. These hubs deliver fast-track apprenticeships and high-quality training. Once fully rolled out, it is estimated that the hubs will deliver up to 5,000 new homebuilding apprenticeship starts and job opportunities each year. Up to 32 hubs will be launched by 2027. This shows the collective efforts to address the skills shortage in the construction industry.