The construction industry is the backbone of Britain’s growth, yet right now, it’s facing one of its biggest challenges: there aren’t enough people.
To help bridge the gap, the West Midlands Combined Authority has announced a £75 million package to train more than 12,000 new workers over the next three years (BBC, 2025). It’s a huge step forward for an industry that quite literally builds our future.
Here at Rockthorn, we’re proud to see a new generation stepping up to take the wheel, including Caitlin, one of our very own Hire Desk Controllers. She’s paving the way for more young people to get stuck into construction, and recently scooped up an Outstanding Performance Award at Plantworx 2025.
But before we celebrate Caitlin’s achievement, let’s take a closer look at why tackling the skills shortage is so important.
The skills shortage and why it matters
The UK construction industry is currently struggling with a shortage of skilled workers, from plant operators to engineers. There are a few major factors behind this challenge:
- Many experienced workers are nearing retirement age.
- Fewer young people are entering the trade, as more are being encouraged towards higher education instead.
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruption to training and apprenticeship programmes, and many skilled workers didn’t return to the industry afterwards.
The sector needs more skilled hands (and sharp minds) than ever. And it’s not just about filling the gaps, it’s about inspiring a new generation to see construction as a career full of opportunity, growth, and innovation.
This £75 million investment aims to do exactly that. Funding specialist training, apprenticeships, and skill-building initiatives to attract and retain new talent across the industry.
The next generation of construction talent
At Rockthorn, we don’t just talk about the future of construction, we’re helping to build it.
Take Caitlin, for example.
At just 18, she didn’t plan on a career in construction, but after a chance recommendation and a trial day at Rockthorn, she quickly realised she’d found her place. What started as “just a day in the office” turned into a crash course in teamwork, operations, and customer service.
Fast forward to Plantworx 2025, which we were lucky enough to attend. Caitlin was front and centre, running the Operated Excavator Challenge, a fan-favourite event she describes as “football, but with an excavator and a lot more chaos.”
Her hard work, energy, and enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed. Caitlin’s dedication earned her the Outstanding Performance Award, recognising her passion and commitment to showing that the industry isn’t just for one type of person, it’s for anyone with passion and drive.
Why stories like Caitlin’s matter
The construction industry is evolving. It’s no longer just about bricks, beams, and big machines (though we love those too). It’s an ecosystem of diverse, skilled roles and there’s something for everyone.
Yes, there are traditional trades like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. But there’s also growing demand for site managers, architects, engineers, health and safety officers, estimators, project managers, and beyond.
For young people trying to break into the industry, it can be hard to know where to start, and that’s where initiatives like this new training fund can make a real difference. By funding apprenticeships and creating clearer career pathways, the industry can open its doors wider than ever before.
Caitlin’s journey shows that you don’t need a construction background to thrive in construction. It’s about curiosity, teamwork, and resilience, all qualities that can’t be taught in a classroom alone. And as more young people like her enter the field, the future of construction looks stronger (and brighter) than ever.
Building careers, not just construction sites
At Rockthorn, we’re proud to support people and businesses across the construction industry, whether that’s through plant hire, finance, or aggregate delivery.
But more than anything, we believe in backing people. Because every great project starts with great talent.
So, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the industry for decades, this Careers in Construction Month is a perfect reminder of why our sector matters and why investing in its people is the best foundation we can build.