Additional funding and a long-term plan are needed to create more placements for young people in the construction industry, according to Iwan Trefor Jones, chief executive at Adra. He emphasised the importance of organisations collaborating to ensure opportunities for young people.
Recent analysis by the Federation of Master Builders indicates that the construction sector requires an extra 2,200 workers each year to meet demand. Steven Walker, a construction manager with Williams Homes, highlighted the need for more young people to enter the industry due to an ageing workforce.
Adra's academy scheme has seen a rise in demand, with a recent opening attracting 108 applicants for only six positions. Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, a local college group, has also reported a "significant growth" in construction course enrolment, with a 28% increase since 2025-26, reaching 461 learners this year.
The Welsh government stated that work is ongoing "to boost construction skills" and new apprenticeships are scheduled to launch later in the year. Clarissa Corbisiero, deputy chief executive at CHC, said that building 20,000 new social homes over the next four years could create over 14,000 jobs annually during construction.