As National Mentoring Month is observed this January, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is calling on UK construction firms to increase their mentoring efforts to help address the sector's growing skills crisis.

The construction industry faces a pressing need for talent, with an estimated 47,860 additional workers required each year through to 2029. Meanwhile, 35% of the current workforce is over the age of 50 and approaching retirement, highlighting the urgent need to attract, train and retain the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in workforce development, training around three-quarters of all construction apprentices. However, 61% of building firms report that skills shortages have impacted their work, underscoring the importance of expanding mentoring programmes.

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Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: "Mentoring has always been at the heart of how our industry passes on skills and values. The best builders I know learned from someone who invested their time to support and develop them.

"As we face an ongoing skills shortage, creating opportunities for experienced tradespeople to mentor others isn’t just good for individual building companies, it’s essential for the future of construction. Through mentoring, builders not only give back but also strengthen their own businesses by developing leadership and communication skills, building trusted networks and supporting the next generation."

The FMB emphasises that structured mentoring not only helps tackle immediate workforce gaps but also ensures the long-term sustainability and resilience of the construction sector.