More Funding Needed for Youth Construction Jobs in Wales, Housing Chief Says

Leaders in Wales's housing and construction sectors are calling for long-term planning and extra funding to expand training and job placements for young people. Iwan Trefor Jones, chief executive of housing association Adra, highlighted high demand after a recent opening at Academi Adra attracted 108 applicants for only six positions. This demand comes as analysis from the Federation of Master Builders indicates the construction industry faces a labor shortfall and needs an additional 2,200 workers each year to meet demand and replace an aging workforce.

Programs such as Academi Adra, established in 2021, have supported 230 participants by offering hands-on workplace experience alongside classroom learning. Local colleges have also experienced surging interest, with college group Grŵp Llandrillo Menai reporting a 28% rise in construction enrolments to a record 461 learners this year. These initiatives provide vital career pathways at a time when the proportion of young people not in education, employment, or training in Wales has risen to 17%.

Industry representatives from CHC noted that building 20,000 new social homes over the next four years could deliver over 14,000 jobs per year during construction. In response, the Welsh government stated that work is underway to boost construction skills, including launching Level 2 apprenticeships later this year, introducing new qualifications in September 2027, and conducting a skills audit ahead of a Skills Summit scheduled for October.