North West construction colleges face higher vacancy levels than England average

By Danny BallPublished On: September 24th, 2026Categories: News, Top Stories

Construction teaching vacancies in colleges across the North West are above the England average, according to new analysis published by the Department for Education (DfE).

The Local Builders, Local Futures analysis found there are 7.7 unfilled vacancies for every 100 further education teaching roles in Construction, Planning and the Built Environment across the North West, compared with 7.2 per 100 across England.

The findings highlight recruitment pressures facing further education colleges as the construction sector expands and demand for skilled workers increases.

The analysis combines further education workforce data with Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) forecasts and Office for National Statistics workforce data.

Construction workforce demand

CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook forecasts that construction output in the North West will grow by an average of 2.2% a year between 2026 and 2030.

The forecast indicates that approximately 4,990 additional construction workers will be needed each year to meet demand.

The North West currently has a construction workforce of approximately 237,000, according to March 2026 workforce data.

The DfE analysis identifies experienced construction professionals as a potential source of additional teaching expertise for further education colleges.

Colleges are seeking professionals across construction and the built environment, including bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, site managers, quantity surveyors and those with civil or structural engineering experience.

Previous industry experience is valued for these roles, while colleges can support successful applicants in gaining teaching qualifications alongside their employment.

Industry experience in further education

Christian Thersby, Principal at West Lancashire College, said: “After spending eight years working in the chemical industry, I decided to pursue a career in further education because I wanted a new challenge and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.

While I enjoyed my career in industry, I was looking for a role where I could use my experience to support others and help shape the future workforce.

“One of the things industry professionals bring to FE is an authentic, real-world perspective. Their experience helps learners understand what working in construction is really like, while ensuring training remains aligned to current industry practices, employer expectations and the skills the sector needs both now and in the future.

“The most rewarding part of being an FE trainer is helping learners build confidence, develop practical industry skills and take the next step towards a successful career in construction. Seeing how their skills and confidence grow is a great reminder of the impact Further Education can have.

“For anyone working in construction and considering a change, I’d encourage them to explore becoming an FE trainer. Colleges provide support and the opportunity to complete teaching qualifications on the job. Your industry experience could help inspire and develop the next generation of construction professionals.”

Tim Balcon, CEO at CITB, said: “The North West 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 the North West.”

The campaign forms part of the government’s target to train up to 60,000 additional construction workers by 2029 and support the delivery of 1.5 million homes by the end of the current Parliament.