Neil Evans, Managing Director, VEKA plc.
Securing over 250,000 skilled workers by 2028 may seem a difficult challenge, yet the Construction Industry Training Board insists that this is precisely the volume of talent required to sustain current demand. A lack of technical know-how, decline in apprenticeships and an ageing workforce, has left the industry with a long-established and growing skills shortage. The fenestration sector, integral to the construction supply chain, is also struggling with the gap.
It’s not just manufacturers like VEKA, who are reliant on hiring locally, but businesses across our sector, including fabricators, specifiers and installers.
The Government launched its Planning and Infrastructure Bill to Parliament on 11 March. This will see significant measures introduced to speed up planning decisions to boost housebuilding and remove blockers, and challenges to the delivery of other developments such as roads, railway lines and windfarms. The hope is to boost economic growth, connectivity and energy security whilst also delivering for the environment.
And in a February interview with the BBC, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner declared there were ‘no excuses’ for failing to deliver on Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes. Yet analysis from the same outlet reveals that homebuilding figures have already faltered in the government’s first six months.
With a shortage of skilled labour and doubts over the construction sector’s capacity to scale up quickly enough to build the ‘new towns’ that the Government has set its sights on, the challenge extends beyond housing. Questions persist over whether the UK’s building industry can expand sufficiently to meet not only its housing targets but also the demands of large-scale infrastructure projects that have been labelled as crucial to the country’s economic growth – which the Chancellor has said is ‘the number one mission’ of the Labour government.
Economic growth in the UK hinges on filling the skills gaps that exist in many industries. Addressing sub-industries like plumbing, electrics, ground working and, of course, fenestration is equally as important as core construction jobs to prevent potential supply chain delays during the building process. And I can’t see a real plan to address this.
Outside of economic growth, we also have a significant retrofit challenge. It’s no secret that the UK has some of the oldest housing stock in the world and according to the Connected Places Catapult, over one million UK properties must undergo retrofit each year to meet targets and achieve NetZero emissions by 2050. While windows alone cannot solve the NetZero issue, they can contribute significantly to the energy efficiency of properties. This target presents an opportunity for VEKA customers to make a real difference to both the country’s climate target and homeowner energy bills, addressing the gap between the supply of technically skilled workers and the demand for them is again crucial here.
While the Autumn Budget had a focus on employment and skills development, at the same time, it delivered businesses the challenge of the increase in both minimum wage and national insurance contributions. Meaning that employers are understandably looking at their recruitment and employee costs, and, for many, opening new vacancies right now is not realistic.
Addressing these challenges requires collaboration on multiple levels.
Change perceptions of industry work
Many young people and their families still view construction jobs as limited to manual labour with little career growth. To overcome this, we need to showcase the diversity, rewards and technological advancements in construction and fenestration. From high-tech design roles using AI and VR to sustainability-driven engineering projects, there is no shortage of exciting career opportunities. By engaging with schools and colleges early, we can inspire the next generation to see this industry as a viable, exciting path.
Build stronger pathways between education and industry
Apprenticeships and vocational training are powerful tools but remain underutilised. Clearer pathways from learning to employment are needed, developed collaboratively between educators and employers. For example, organisations like VEKA are prioritising training and upskilling, working closely with regional education providers. Initiatives like these directly tackle skills shortages in high-demand technical roles by aligning training with real-world industry needs.
Support upskilling and retention within workforce
Skills gaps don’t just start with recruitment, they are exacerbated when current employees don’t have access to opportunities for growth. Retention can improve considerably when employers invest in upskilling their teams. From courses in advanced glazing techniques to management certifications, continuous training not only addresses skills shortages but also reassures workers that their contribution is valued. Employers who invest in their employees’ growth, like VEKA, build loyalty and see lower turnover.
Commit to inclusive and fair recruitment
Creating a sustainable talent pipeline also means diversifying hiring practices. Underrepresented groups are vital to broadening the talent pool. We must lower the barriers preventing these groups from choosing fenestration and construction careers.
Make work pay
Around one-fifth of UK adults are economically inactive. There must be a concerted effort between employers and the Government to make work pay and to get as many people into roles where they can grow their skills.
Policy support and long-term commitment
Government and industry collaboration is vital to solving the talent crisis. The upcoming Modern Industrial Strategy must provide a strong commitment to employment initiatives that prioritise closing skills gaps. Additionally, investment incentives, simplified planning systems for new projects and tax relief for professional development programmes are policies that could directly benefit the sector.
VEKA has always prioritised training and upskilling its team, aligning with the Government’s push to integrate more individuals into the workforce. This is an opportunity we are eager to support at both our Burnley site and Wellingborough recycling facility, and we recognise the potential for regional growth and development.
We need to see the Government aggressively providing breakthrough solutions that close skills and technology gaps, supporting both manufacturing and construction to deliver growth, improve productivity and meet building targets. At the same time, as an industry, we should collectively work together to promote the benefits of working in the sector and support more people into roles to secure its future.
Neil Evans is Managing Director of VEKA plc. VEKA plc is the UK arm of global company, VEKA – the world’s largest supplier of PVCu. Based in Burnley, Lancashire, it employs over 400 people, making it a major regional employer.
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