CIBSE welcomes the UK Government’s announcement this week of a record £3 billion investment to create 120,000 new training opportunities in key sectors, including construction and engineering.
This ambitious initiative, described by Prime Minister Keir Starmer as a central pillar of the government’s "Plan for Change", is a vital step in addressing skills shortages and improving productivity. By prioritising training for young, domestic talent, the strategy aims to equip the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in critical areas such as building services engineering, health and social care and digital technologies.
With the UK’s economic recovery and Net Zero ambitions increasingly dependent on a resilient, future-ready workforce, CIBSE believes this investment will play a crucial role in supporting the built environment sector to meet the challenges ahead.
Dr Anastasia Mylona, CIBSE Technical Director, said: “This is a welcome and much-needed investment in our workforce. The building services sector is at the forefront of delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable environments – and that relies on a pipeline of skilled professionals. By strengthening training provision and attracting young people into engineering, we can not only address current shortages but also drive long-term innovation and resilience in the built environment.”
CIBSE is committed to supporting this national effort through its education partnerships, professional development programmes and promotion of engineering careers to young people. As an institution, CIBSE remains focused on developing the guidance, standards and training that underpin a competent and future-ready workforce.
At CIBSE, we look forward to working with industry, government and education providers to ensure the success of this important initiative.