Spitfire Homes has launched a new workforce pledge aimed at tackling the construction sector’s growing skills shortage as the Midlands developer continues to expand its pipeline of residential schemes.
The housebuilder has committed to ensuring that at least 5% of its total workforce is made up of trainees or graduates, a move designed to strengthen the future supply of skilled professionals across the housing and construction sector.
The policy also extends into the company’s supply chain. Contractors receiving more than £500,000 of work from Spitfire will now be required to employ at least one apprentice on a live Spitfire site as a condition of working with the developer.
Groundworkers, bricklayers, electricians and plumbers will all fall within scope of the requirement, with the initiative aimed at boosting practical trade skills at a time when labour shortages are increasingly seen as a constraint on housing delivery.
The move comes as the Home Builders Federation warns the industry needs around 240,000 additional recruits in the coming years if it is to meet national housing targets.
GROWING CONCERN
For developers and lenders operating in the development and bridging space, workforce shortages have become a growing concern, with limited availability of skilled trades often cited as a factor behind build delays and rising project costs.
Spitfire says its latest commitment is designed to create more structured entry routes into the industry while encouraging other developers and contractors to invest in early-career talent.
The company already has several staff who joined through trainee pathways and have progressed into senior roles, including a senior site manager who has received the NHBC Seal of Excellence.
SKILLS SHORTAGE
Dave Smith (main picture), managing director at Spitfire Homes, says the sector needs to take greater responsibility for building its own future workforce.
And he adds: “The skills shortage isn’t incoming; it is already here. If we don’t build the next generation of talent, we will have no right to complain about the skills shortage when the market returns.
“The industry knows there is an inherent issue with the future pipeline of skilled construction professionals, but we appear to be hoping someone else will resolve the problem for us.”
Spitfire reported 70% growth in 2025 and said its expanding pipeline across the Midlands will create further opportunities for trainees entering the sector.
