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UK Construction 2.0
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Construction Disrupted Episode 113 - UK Construction 2.0 (29.04.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.
In this episode, we dive into the evolving standards for affordable housing design, the government's investment in technical skills for high-growth industries, and CITB's Industry Impact Fund that we're struggling to work out why we haven't heard about it before! Let's go.
As mentioned in the episode:
CITB Industry Impact Fund (IIF)
NOW, let's go!
Good Homes for All 2.0: ‘The context has shifted materially since the first edition’
The second edition of "Good Homes for All" responds to a dramatically changed environment for affordable housing. Rising construction costs, tighter viability, and deepening housing emergencies have made design quality more crucial than ever. Architects Luke Tozer and Jay Morton emphasize that design is not a luxury but a necessity for resolving competing pressures—such as density, viability, and efficient land use.
The publication showcases 15 built schemes, demonstrating how thoughtful design can unlock delivery, create enduring places, and support communities for generations. It targets policymakers, developers, and treasury teams, aiming to shift perceptions so that design is seen as a tool for delivery, not a constraint. The overarching message: prioritizing design quality is essential for aligning scarce resources with urgent needs, and architects must be involved early to ensure long-term value and public health benefits.
New Technical Excellence Colleges focus on fastest-growing industries
The UK government is investing £175 million in 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) to train 65,000 learners for high-demand jobs in sectors like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence, and digital technologies. This initiative addresses the projected need for 600,000 additional workers by 2030 and aims to provide clear routes from education to well-paid, skilled employment. TECs are strategically located to match regional industry demands and will act as hubs of excellence, raising standards nationwide.
The investment supports improved teaching, courses, and access to specialist equipment, building on previous construction-focused TECs. The government’s broader goal is to break down barriers to opportunity, increase higher-level learning among young people, and drive local and national growth. This aligns with the Industrial Strategy and includes a major cash injection to create more apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
Free digital training programme for small builders
Small, medium, and micro construction businesses can now access a free digital training programme designed to help them adopt and integrate modern technology into their operations. Supported by CITB’s Industry Impact Fund, the "Solving Tech for Small Builders" programme was developed by North London Loft Rooms and partners, following a successful pilot with 50 builder