Industry Calls for Urgent Focus on Training Young Construction Workers
A new industry report has issued an urgent call for construction employers to prioritise training and skills development for young workers, warning that a failure to do so risks long-term workforce instability. As reported by PBC Today, the construction sector continues to face challenges with attracting and retaining new entrants—especially those aged 18–24—due to gaps in structured training pathways and employer investment.
The report highlights that early career workers often lack access to recognised qualifications, structured mentoring, and opportunities to develop competence in line with safety-critical legislation like CDM 2015 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Why Early Investment in Competency Matters
With many experienced site operatives and supervisors approaching retirement age, the construction industry must act now to secure its future skills base. For employers, this means:
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Embedding NVQ pathways into early careers programmes
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Providing supervised, on-the-job learning tied to nationally recognised qualifications
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Offering mentoring and shadowing opportunities
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Tracking progress through platforms like Quals Direct
Training younger workers not only helps close the skills gap but also enhances safety culture by ensuring workers develop safe habits early in their careers.
NVQs Suitable for Young or New Entrants
All Star Safety supports learners at all stages of their career, including early entrants working toward:
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Level 2 NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations – Slinger Signaller
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Level 3 NVQ in Occupational Work Supervision (for those stepping into early team leader roles)
These qualifications allow candidates to gain their CSCS, CPCS, or NPORS cards, enabling them to work safely and compliantly on UK construction sites.
How All Star Safety Supports Young Worker Development
We provide structured training and assessment support, helping young workers and their employers build confidence and capability. Our services include:
✔ NVQ assessments tailored to site roles and learner experience
✔ Online portfolio tracking via Quals Direct
✔ Support with CSCS/CPCS/NPORS applications
✔ Consultancy to help employers design compliant training plans
Contact us to see how we can assist you in staying safe and compliant.
📞 0330 133 0402
📞 01473 561 402
📩 info@allstarsafety.co.uk