MPB has formally aligned with the latest insights from The 5% Club and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) regarding the critical requirement for vocational training, professional opportunities, and robust “earn and learn” pathways across the United Kingdom.
Recent findings, including the independent review conducted by Alan Milburn, have highlighted systemic challenges in how the nation generates opportunities for young people. National data indicate that approximately one million young individuals are currently not in employment, education, or training (NEET), with one in six within this demographic having never been employed.
With adult skills policy transitioning from the Department for Education to the DWP, a unique opportunity has emerged to unify the welfare and training systems. This strategic alignment, led by Skills England, intends to bring government departments, industrial sectors, and employers together to construct actionable solutions.
The Industrial Opportunity
For organisations such as MPB that maintain a permanent commitment to workplace training, the current national direction is highly encouraging. The government is actively seeking practical, industry-driven ideas and bespoke training structures tailored to individual circumstances. Employers offering apprenticeships and structured development programmes are uniquely positioned to assist in bridging the skills gap.
Martyn Price MBE, Business and People Development Director at MPB, emphasised the role that the construction sector must play in this national transition:
“The construction and built environment sector possesses the capacity to eradicate youth unemployment across this country. If every employer within our industry committed to offering just one placement opportunity to a young person currently classified as NEET, the impact would be transformative. MPB is entirely committed to shaping this future, providing the support and infrastructure necessary to serve the next generation of professionals.”
The upcoming stage of the Milburn Review will focus heavily on practical solutions. MPB intends to actively participate in this dialogue, ensuring that vocational training remains aligned with the demands of modern civil engineering and infrastructure delivery.
