Holiday construction skills programme targets next generation workforce in Stoke-on-Trent

A hands-on construction training initiative is helping to introduce young people in Stoke-on-Trent to careers in the building industry during the school holidays.

Around 20 teenagers have taken part in the programme, delivered in partnership between The Hubb Foundation and The Spark Group.

The initiative is designed to give young people aged 13–16 practical exposure to key construction trades, including electrical work, painting and decorating, carpentry, and plumbing.

The programme comes at a time when the industry continues to face a growing skills shortage. According to organisers, more than 20% of the local construction workforce is aged over 55, highlighting the urgent need to attract younger talent into the sector.

Courses have been targeted at young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs, aiming to improve access to career opportunities within construction.

All available places were fully booked, underlining strong demand and interest from local teenagers.

Alongside trade skills, the programme also aims to raise awareness of long-term career pathways within construction, encouraging participants to consider roles across the built environment.

The wider holiday initiative delivered by The Hubb Foundation includes thousands of activity places for young people across the city, supporting engagement, wellbeing, and future aspirations.

With more than a third of Stoke-on-Trent’s population classed among the most deprived areas in England, initiatives like this are seen as key to addressing both social challenges and the industry’s future workforce needs.