Midlands United: Driving growth, connectivity, and a greener future

Weeks ago, a panel discussion at UK Construction Week explored how the West Midlands is addressing the skills gap, sustainability challenges, and regional collaboration needed to secure a greener future for the construction sector.

The conversation centred on smart technologies, green skills development, and the critical role of partnerships between education providers, businesses, and local government in driving the region's economic transformation.

[edit] The green skills challenge

One of the key themes was the development of green skills and apprenticeships. Panellists discussed working with colleges across the West Midlands to ensure young people and adult apprentices have access to training in sustainable construction practices and emerging technologies.

However, the discussion highlighted a significant challenge: while there is considerable investment in training infrastructure, demand from employers remains relatively low. As one speaker noted, many employers are still uncertain about where the commercial opportunities lie in the green transition. The reality is that the biggest procurers of green construction skills are often government and public sector property organisations, rather than private firms.

This creates a disconnect. Training providers can establish courses and facilities, but without clear signals from the market about future work opportunities, employers are hesitant to invest in upskilling their workforce or recruiting newly trained apprentices.

[edit] The transition challenge

The construction industry is undoubtedly moving toward decarbonisation, but transitions are never straightforward. Businesses need to invest significantly to pivot their operations toward greener practices, whether through low-carbon construction methods, energy-efficient buildings, or sustainable materials.

The discussion acknowledged that many employers are genuinely committed to sustainability but face practical barriers. There is a need for greater certainty around future demand and commercial opportunities. When employers can see a clear pipeline of green projects and contracts, they will be more willing to invest in the necessary skills and training for their teams.

One speaker, drawing on experience from the Treasury, noted that businesses often seek reassurance from government before making strategic investments. Public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in providing this certainty, helping employers understand the future market and plan accordingly.

[edit] Regional collaboration and leadership

The conversation emphasised that addressing these challenges requires strong regional collaboration. Local authorities, combined authorities, universities, colleges, businesses, and community organisations all have roles to play.

Examples were given of successful partnerships, such as regeneration projects in Coventry and Solihull, which integrate skills development, apprenticeships, and community engagement over ten-year timescales. These projects demonstrate how sustained collaboration between local government and major contractors can create opportunities throughout the supply chain while ensuring local communities benefit.

The panel stressed that leadership is not always about being at the forefront. Sometimes, effective partnership means supporting others when they are leading on regional initiatives. Whether Birmingham, Wolverhampton, or Coventry is taking the lead on a particular agenda, the key is ensuring all partners contribute effectively.

[edit] A regional growth plan

The West Midlands Combined Authority's role in setting the vision and direction for the region was highlighted as essential. The authority's responsibility is to establish clear landing points for transport, housing, economic growth, skills, and jobs. However, achieving these goals is only possible through collaboration with partners across the region.

The recently developed growth plan represents the first comprehensive regional strategy that brings together all these elements. Importantly, it is designed to be flexible rather than fixed, with regular reviews to assess progress and adjust course where necessary.

The discussion acknowledged that the combined authority has direct control over only approximately 10% of the skills agenda in the region. This reality underscores the absolute necessity of partnership working with colleges, universities, and businesses to achieve meaningful progress.

[edit] Investment and promotion

Beyond local collaboration, the panel discussed the importance of promoting the West Midlands nationally and internationally. Significant investment has already been secured, including £2.5 billion for transport infrastructure over 45 years, which will generate substantial work for regional businesses and employment opportunities for local people.

The UK government's International Investment Summit, held in the West Midlands two weeks after UK Construction Week, was cited as a major opportunity. Such events allow the region to showcase its strengths not just domestically but on the global stage, working with the Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade to raise the region's profile with central government and international investors.

[edit] Connecting the dots

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the need to connect various elements of the green transition. Training provision, employer demand, commercial opportunities, and public sector procurement all need to align for the system to work effectively.

As one panelist observed, having lots of good ideas is valuable, but those ideas must be connected. The construction sector needs clearer pathways that show how training leads to jobs, how jobs support business growth, how growth attracts investment, and how investment drives further skills development.

The panel agreed that government, particularly through major public procurement programs, has a crucial role in creating this certainty. By signaling clear intentions around green construction requirements and providing a visible pipeline of projects, the public sector can give employers the confidence to invest in the green skills their workforce needs.

[edit] Looking ahead

The discussion painted a picture of a region in transition, with significant challenges but also considerable opportunities. The West Midlands has the leadership structures, educational institutions, and business base needed to succeed in the green economy. What is required now is sustained collaboration, clearer market signals, and ongoing commitment from all partners.

As the construction sector continues its journey toward net zero, the experiences and approaches being developed in the West Midlands may offer valuable lessons for other regions facing similar challenges. The emphasis on partnership, flexibility, and connecting training with commercial opportunities provides a pragmatic framework for managing a complex transition.

This article was written by Justin Aboh of City Business, based on the session "Midlands United: Driving growth, connectivity, and a greener future" featuring speakers including representatives from West Midlands Combined Authority, local colleges, and regional development organisations at UK Construction Week, NEC Birmingham, 30 September - 2 October 2025.