Funding aims to boost talent pipelines as UK construction sector faces significant workforce demands.
The Construction Workers’ Charitable Trust, formerly known as the B&CE Charitable Trust, has announced that applications are now open for its Construction Employability Award 2026/27. The annual grant of £25,000 seeks to support UK-based organisations dedicated to providing accredited training and fostering employability within the vital construction sector.
Established in 1991, the Trust has a long-standing mission to give back to the construction industry, offering support ranging from financial aid and emotional guidance to funding for education, training, and occupational health and safety initiatives. Over its 35-year history, the charity has distributed nearly £5 million in donations and grants, provided through People’s Partnership, a not-for-profit employee benefits provider.
This year marks the twelfth iteration of the award, which serves as a crucial intervention at a time when the UK construction industry faces significant workforce challenges. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates that an additional 251,500 workers will be required by 2028 to meet projected demand, with approximately 50,300 new entrants needed each year. This pressing need is exacerbated by an ageing workforce, with around 40% of current construction professionals over the age of 45 and insufficient younger talent entering the sector to compensate for retirements. Reports indicate that more than 61% of construction firms are currently affected by a lack of skilled tradespeople, leading to project delays and cancellations, and contributing to an estimated annual cost of over £2 billion to the industry due to skills gaps.
The previous recipient of the 2025/26 award was the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce (GCoC) for its “Construction Aware” initiative. This three-year programme, delivered through GCoC’s Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow (DYW Glasgow) scheme, provides secondary school pupils with hands-on experience, site visits, and industry-recognised qualifications. Collaborating with partners including Glasgow City Council, F.A.R.E, Landsec, Inspiring Scotland, and Wheatley Group, the funded element of the programme supported 272 young people in its last cycle. Overall, Construction Aware has engaged 36 employers, facilitated 213 site visits and challenge activities, and delivered nearly 700 hours of vocational learning across 26 Glasgow schools, benefiting a total of 326 young people. The programme also earned the Skills Impact Award at the Built Environment – Smarter Transformation: Accelerate to Net Zero Awards in December 2025.
Nicola Sinclair, Head of the Construction Workers’ Charitable Trust, highlighted the ongoing importance of such initiatives. “I’m delighted to welcome applications for the Construction Employability Award once again,” she stated. “This award is about creating opportunity, breaking down barriers and helping people build rewarding careers in construction. The demand for skilled workers across the industry remains high, so it’s vital that we support organisations that are developing talent and creating clear pathways into the sector.”
Ms Sinclair added, “It’s inspiring to see the difference this funding has made through projects such as Construction Aware, helping more people gain the skills, confidence and experience to succeed. We’re proud to continue supporting the organisations and projects that make a real difference in the construction industry, as we build on our purpose every day.”
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Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive at GCoC, underscored the transformative impact of the award: “The award has been instrumental in helping Construction Aware expand its reach and impact across Glasgow. With the Construction Workers’ Charitable Trust’s support, we’ve been able to give young people access to industry experiences, accredited training, PPE, transport and mentoring they might not otherwise have had.” He further noted that the programme has “boosted participants’ confidence and understanding of the opportunities available in construction,” with plans to introduce progression routes into higher-level qualifications and CSCS certification.
The broader landscape of UK government policy also reflects the urgency of addressing construction skills shortages. Recent initiatives include a £140 million investment to create 5,000 additional construction apprenticeship places annually, alongside the establishment of 32 new Homebuilding Skills Hubs by 2028. Furthermore, plans are underway to deliver 50,000 more apprenticeships over the next three years, including measures to fully fund training costs for under-25s at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by removing the 5% co-investment requirement.
Applications for the Construction Employability Award 2026/27 opened on 1st September 2026 and will close on 1st October 2026. The successful recipient is expected to be announced in December 2026. Organisations are encouraged to apply via the B&CE website for further details and updates.
