The construction sector is facing a significant challenge: a shortage of qualified teachers. Despite having the courses, funding, and eager students, colleges struggle to find enough educators to meet demand. This shortage is exacerbated by several factors, including salary challenges and retention issues.
Salaries for construction teachers often do not compete with industry roles, leading to difficulties in attracting talent. To combat this, some institutions offer retention payments of up to £6000. However, this is not always enough to bridge the gap.
Pathways to teaching in this field can also be confusing, deterring potential candidates. The government's commitment to building 1.5 million homes by 2025 further highlights the urgent need for skilled educators to train the next generation of construction workers.
Initiatives like the new Homebuilding Skills Hubs aim to address these issues by providing targeted training and support. Agencies such as Dovetail & Slate play a crucial role in connecting qualified professionals with teaching opportunities, helping to alleviate the shortage.
Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort from government, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders to ensure the construction sector can meet future demands.
Why are colleges struggling? And what can they do about it?
If you're working in further education, especially in the construction or trades space, you don't need us to tell you it's tough going. The message is coming loud and clear from colleges every week: "We've got the courses, we've got the funding, we've even got the students … but we can't find enough people to teach them."