New findings, shared by the Department for Education (DfE) as part of the Local Builders, Local Futures analysis, show vacancy levels for construction training roles within colleges in London are above the England average as the sector continues to grow. 

The data underscores the scale of the region’s FE teaching recruitment challenge and wider construction skills shortages, highlighting the need for more skilled professionals to train others in colleges. 

The analysis, delivered through the Train Others in Further Education campaign, shows that London has 8.7 unfilled vacancies for every 100 further education teaching roles in Construction, Planning and the Built Environment, compared with the England average of 7.2 per 100. The analysis brings together further education workforce data, Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) forecasts and Office for National Statistics workforce data to highlight where experienced construction professionals could help strengthen local skills pipelines. 

At the same time, CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook forecasts that construction output in London will grow by an average of 1.8% a year between 2026 and 2030, with approximately 6,780 additional workers needed each year to meet demand. 

Taken together, the findings show why experienced construction professionals in London have an important role to play. By helping colleges build training capacity now, they can support the skilled workforce needed to deliver new homes, infrastructure and wider regional growth in the years ahead.

The campaign supports the government’s pledge to secure England’s construction future by training up to 60,000 more construction workers by 2029 and helping to deliver 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament. By encouraging experienced builders, tradespeople and construction professionals to train learners in further education, the campaign aims to strengthen the skills pipeline that underpins housebuilding, infrastructure delivery, good jobs and economic growth.

Through training qualifications such as T Levels, colleges are looking to recruit professionals from across construction and the built environment, including bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, site managers, quantity surveyors and people with civil or structural engineering experience.

For these roles, previous industry experience is highly valued. Many people do not need to have worked in teaching before applying, as colleges can often support successful candidates to gain a teaching qualification while working, meaning they can start passing on their skills straight away.

Tim Balcon, CEO at CITB, the Industry Training Board for the construction industry and a partner in ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council, said: 

“London needs skilled construction workers to support its future growth, but it also needs experienced people who can train them. 
 
“Thousands of people across the region have spent their careers supporting others and solving practical problems. That experience is exactly what further education colleges value. 
 
“Training others does not mean starting again. It is a chance to pass on the standards and knowledge that matter to industry, and help build a future-ready, skilled workforce in London.”

Local FE professionals helping to train the next generation of construction workers shared their experiences:

Saad Farooq, a former construction industry professional who now trains others at London Design Engineering UTC, said:

“Coming back to train others at the same college where I studied has been incredibly rewarding. When I was gaining experience in architecture, I was approached by a former tutor about the opportunity to move into further education. The chance to use my industry knowledge to help other people develop their skills and confidence, while supporting their future careers, felt like a natural next step.
My experience in industry has been invaluable in helping students understand what working in the built environment is really like. I enjoy sharing real-world insights, exploring different career pathways and giving them a clearer understanding of what employers are looking for in the construction sector.
One of the most rewarding parts of the role is seeing people grow in confidence and progress into employment. I’ve also been continually impressed by the curiosity, enthusiasm and technical knowledge many students already bring, which makes the role even more rewarding.
For anyone with specialist industry expertise looking for a meaningful career, training others in FE is a fantastic opportunity. It allows you to share your knowledge, make a real difference and help prepare the next generation of professionals for successful careers in the sector.”

Jamie Stevenson, Principal of Lewisham College, who has worked closely with construction employers throughout his career in further education, said:

“Throughout my career in FE, I’ve worked closely with construction employers and seen first-hand the difference industry experience can make to learners. FE trainers have a wealth of industry experience they can pass onto others and play a vital role in helping people develop the skills needed to succeed in the construction industry

One of the things industry professionals bring is real credibility and up-to-date knowledge of the sector. They understand the skills, behaviours and expectations learners will encounter in the workplace, and can help bring construction careers to life by sharing their own experiences and practical insight.

The most rewarding part of FE is seeing learners develop and progress, knowing you’ve helped equip them with the skills and confidence to take the next step in their career. Knowing you’ve helped open those opportunities for them is incredibly fulfilling.

I’d encourage anyone with construction experience to consider becoming an FE trainer. Your knowledge and industry expertise are invaluable, and sharing them could help inspire and develop the next generation of skilled construction professionals.”

London already has an experienced construction workforce of approximately 368,120, according to March 2026 workforce data. The campaign is encouraging people within that workforce to consider how the skills and knowledge built over their careers could be passed on through further education.