1. Apprenticeships: Powering Progress in an Ageing Sector

     

    Across both the UK and Europe, the average age of workers in construction and manufacturing has been steadily increasing. According to WorldMetrics.org, the average age of EU construction workers was found to be 42 years old in recent years. With many experienced employees approaching retirement, employers face mounting pressure to protect productivity, sustain output, and deliver essential projects quickly. 

    Yet while an ageing workforce presents undeniable challenges, it also creates new opportunities:  

    • To rethink how industry experience, new technology and inclusive working practices can shape the future of the sector 
    • To build a resilient, capable workforce for the long term 
    • To recognise and respond to this demographic shift. 

  2. How apprentices will play a role in delivering the government's new homes target

     

    With the UK Government’s goal of delivering 1.5 million homes by 2029, attention has turned to the skilled labour required to construct 300,000 new homes each year. The Home Builders Federation (HBF) estimates that meeting this target will require around 30,000 new entrants across 12 key skilled labour trades, including labouring, carpentry, joinery, electrical work, groundworks, engineering, and plumbing. 

    Given the added challenge of an ageing workforce, skilled labour training and apprenticeships will be crucial to achieving these national housing ambitions. 

  3. Why apprenticeships matter

     

    Apprenticeships offer a powerful route to developing talent and strengthening the future workforce; something Portakabin is committed to supporting by providing high-quality apprentice training and genuine career opportunities for young people. 

    Portakabin apprenticeship programmes span the core skills needed for modular construction, such as plumbing, painting, and electrical installation. Alongside these traditional areas, Portakabin also offers apprentice training in fields such as product design, quantity surveying, commercial and project management, as well as marketing, legal and finance.  

    Dan Ibbetson, CEO at Portakabin, explains: “At Portakabin, we’re proud that 98% of apprentices who train with us are offered a full-time role after completing their qualification.” 

    “The skills our apprentices gain are hard-earned, creating a strong talent pipeline and providing opportunities for continued growth and development. It’s one of the key reasons we’re able to offer so many full-time positions. It truly is a win-win.” 

  4. A positive outlook for UK manufacturing

     

    As the UK navigates a period of rapid change, manufacturing sits at a critical turning point. The government’s 2024 announcement of £140 million in funding to support 5,000 additional construction-related apprenticeships each year is a positive step, ensuring that new talent can enter the industry at a time when skilled workers are in highest demand. 

    “Through our expanding apprenticeship programmes, we’re proud to support both the Yorkshire region and UK-based manufacturing,” says Simon Pollard, Manufacturing Director at Portakabin. 

    “Investing in apprentices doesn’t just fill immediate skills gaps, it builds a workforce that truly understands our culture, processes and commitment to quality.” 

  5. A time of opportunity 

     

    While the sector faces the pressing challenge of an ageing workforce, the need to invest in the next generation of skilled professionals has never been greater. Apprentice training provides a vital pathway to transfer decades of expertise to new workers, ensuring they are equipped to succeed in today’s modern construction environment. 

    To meet the government’s ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes, the industry must work quickly and collaboratively to attract, train, and retain the skilled people needed. Success depends not only on materials and technology, but on a dedicated workforce capable of building the UK’s future. 

  6. Apprenticeships and Careers

     

    Portakabin offers professional, commercial, project and operational apprenticeships and roles that offer personal and career development. Discover our current vacancies here.