Recent reports show that the UK construction industry needs to recruit a million more workers over the next 10 years to reach housebuilding targets. The construction skills gap has been a cause for concern across both the built and social housing sector, with housebuilding failing to see the surge needed to hit the government’s 1.5M new homes target, with London facing a particular stagnation.
To help meet this demand, independent housebuilder Dandara is now inviting applications for five new trainee roles based across its offices in Braintree, Milton Keynes, Tunbridge Wells and Bristol. The programme is designed to help young people build long-term careers in the housebuilding industry while addressing the sector’s growing skills shortage.
The two-year scheme offers hands-on experience across a range of disciplines, including surveying, technical, sustainability, design and construction management. Through structured training, mentoring and practical experience, participants gain valuable insight into the many career opportunities available within housebuilding.
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The programme looks to enrol school leavers who have chosen not to attend university and who are keen to develop a long-term career within the construction industry. Unlike a traditional university degree, the Management Trainee Programme offers an earn-while-you-learn pathway, enabling participants to gain hands-on industry experience while undertaking apprenticeship study and working towards recognised professional qualifications, with the opportunity to gain a formal qualification up to degree level.
Allison Murphy, Learning and Development Manager at Dandara, said: “Many people don’t realise just how diverse the construction industry is – there really is a role for everyone, whether in sales, planning or construction. We’re looking forward to welcoming our next cohort of trainees across our offices in England, and to support them throughout the next two years as they develop their skills and gain experience across the business.
“University or college is not the right path for everyone. Programmes like this allow young people to begin building their careers straight away, earning from day one and working towards important life milestones without the burden of student debt. By developing the skills of those entering the industry and encouraging more young people to consider careers in construction, we can help secure the future of the sector.”
The stagnation in housebuilding is a key barrier to the much-needed expansion of the UK’s affordable and social housing supply. Not only does a general stagnation in housing supply reduce the delivery of new affordable homes, but as key figures look to boost housebuilding, one of the measures seen so far is the reduction of affordable housing requirements. Sadiq Khan and the GLA took this approach in London late last year, stating “20% of something is more than 35% of nothing”. Whilst this may have some effect on overall housebuilding, unaffordable housing will have little impact on the overall housing crisis as affordability continues to dwindle, and will certainly do nothing for the hundreds of thousands trapped in temporary accommodation.
One person who can attest to the benefits of the programme is Harry Collins (20), who is based in Dandara Northern Home Counties’ head office in Milton Keynes. He joined the Management Trainee Programme in September 2024 after leaving school.
He said: “The Management Trainee Programme is ideal for people like me who wanted to continue studying after school while also beginning my career. Whilst my university studies teach the theory behind housebuilding, my time with Dandara has helped me develop practical skills in important areas like problem solving, people management and relationship building – things you just can’t learn from a textbook.
“I love the variety of the job and opportunity to experience all different parts of the business. It allows you to explore a range of career paths before deciding where you want to specialise – for me, that was surveying. Each department has a designated mentor overseeing my activities and the programme has been structured exceptionally well throughout.”
