West Midlands mayor Richard Parker and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) have signed an agreement to develop a National Skills Academy for Construction, as the region faces significant workforce shortages.

The CITB estimates the West Midlands needs 3,810 additional construction workers annually over the next five years. The partnership will match training with employer demand, improve skills data and support recruitment into construction careers.

The mayor and the CITB signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing to the development of a National Skills Academy for Construction in the West Midlands - the agreement is among the first of its kind in the country.

Richard Parker, mayor of West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “We’re heading into a construction boom that will power new jobs, new homes and new opportunities right across the West Midlands. And this latest investment in training and apprenticeships will help make sure local people have the skills they need to land those new jobs. It’s by working with the CITB and local employers in this way that we can tackle this industry skills shortage head-on and get our workforce ready to build the infrastructure that will drive future growth.”

Last year the mayor announced a further £75m for construction skills training over the next three years to address the expected industry shortage of around 12,000 workers.

Tim Balcon, CEO of the CITB, said: “Addressing the construction industry's skills needs requires industry-wide collaboration, strong partnerships with central and local governments, and long-term commitment. This is the latest strategic partnership we’re establishing with mayoralties across the country, strengthening relationships between employers, training providers and local decision-makers, creating a stronger foundation for addressing emerging skills challenges at a local level. The Memorandum of Understanding is an important step towards establishing a National Skills Academy for Construction and ensuring the workforce is ready to meet future demand.”

Last week, Richard Parker officially opened The Skills Centre at City Centre South, a £450m regeneration project being delivered by The Hill Group to transform Coventry city centre.

Andy Hill, founder and group chief executive of The Hill Group, said: “The construction industry can only deliver the homes and regeneration projects our communities need if we have the skilled people to build them. The new Skills Centre at City Centre South is a great example of how industry and local partners can work together to give people the skills and confidence to start a career in construction.”

This is the second partnership CITB has agreed with Mayoral Combined Authorities following its agreement with Liverpool City Region to tackle an estimated shortfall of 9,000 construction workers in the Liverpool City Region.