Training academy launched to tackle skills gap

A new plastering training academy has opened in Knowsley, Merseyside, aiming to address the growing construction skills shortage and support young people into apprenticeships.

Doncaster-headquartered Keepmoat, a leading UK housebuilder, has joined forces with Sterling Plastering and Hugh Baird College to establish the SPL Change Academy. The initiative, offering NVQ Level 1 and 2 plastering courses, comes as the UK faces the need for 225,000 new construction workers by 2027.

The academy, opened by councillor Tony Brennan, Knowsley Council’s deputy leader, is designed to help combat an ageing workforce in the construction sector.

With the average plasterer now 42 years old, the need to train the next generation to secure the industry’s future is becoming ever more critical.

Jeff Murphy, managing director at Liverpool-based Sterling Plastering, said: “The lack of skilled labourers in the plastering trade doesn’t meet with industry demand and we’re continually dealing with a significant skills shortfall.

“We also experienced that some of the qualified plasterers weren’t site ready, so even after completing their college course we would have to undertake significant training with our new recruits.”

Chris Cox, managing director at Sterling Plastering, added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with like-minded and local businesses to create our newly built 6,000 square foot warehouse-style unit to upskill young people across Merseyside to help guide future professionals in the trade.”

Keepmoat, known for its commitment to brownfield developments and affordable housing, continues to support innovative partnerships that foster skills development and create opportunities within the construction industry.

Peter Barlow, regional managing director at Keepmoat, North West, added: “It’s been brilliant to support the launch of the SPL Change Academy by providing a mock timber frame house.

“The Keepmoat team has also created a traditional working environment of closed rooms, where the students will carry out their training, in place of small open bays.

“The team is also set to deliver a series of site skills-focused employability sessions, in order to help bridge the gap between college and site work.”

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