Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves visited Pudsey-based Building Futures Together to see how it is supporting young people to get into the construction industry.

She met students, including those who are struggling with the curriculum in school or are missing from education and who are now gaining hands-on experience in the building trade.

The visit follows the Chancellor’s Spring Statement announcement of a £600 million investment to train up to 60,000 skilled construction workers, address the industry’s skills shortage and support the delivery of 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament.

BFT’s managing director and co-founder, John Thornton, gave the Chancellor a tour of the training facility, and explained how the Community Interest Group is creating employment pathways through vocational learning.

He highlighted the new advanced construction course for 16 to 19-year-olds which launched at the start of the 2025/26 academic year, and how BFT is working with local schools to help improve student engagement and attendance.

The MP for Leeds West and Pudsey met students who shared how they are benefiting from BFT’s training programme, including working towards their City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Construction Skills.

Ms Reeves was given the chance to gain ‘hands-on’ experience and successfully wired a switch to turn on the lights.

Managing director and co-founder at BFT, John Thornton, said: “I’d like to thank Rachel for visiting BFT and giving us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on how vocational learning positively engages, encourages, and nurtures students, especially those struggling in school.

“Rachel was particularly keen to hear from the students and learn more about the barriers to securing an apprenticeship, including the lack of support and opportunities many face.

“Since launching in 2020, BFT has positively impacted the lives of young people across the area. We’ve expanded our reach for the 2025/26 academic year with the launch of our 16 to 19 provision, further supporting pathways into the construction industry, employability, and long-term careers.”

Ms Reeves said: “We are determined to get Britain building again, that’s why we are taking on the blockers to build 1.5 million new homes and rebuild our roads, rail and energy infrastructure.

“But none of this is possible without the engineers, brickies, sparkies and chippies to actually get the work done. It was fantastic to meet students and staff at Building Futures Together in Pudsey, who are tackling the shortage of construction workers, boosting jobs, broadening opportunities and delivering economic growth for Leeds and beyond.”

BFT was co-founded in 2020 to help prevent more young people from becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training). It supports students passionate about joining the construction industry and helps schools to engage with pupils who struggle with the curriculum or are missing from education.

Between January and December 2024, BFT delivered 1,645 places, a 36 percent increase on 2023. It is projected to deliver 2,100 places in 2025.

BFT operates from a purpose-built training facility within mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) provider G&H’s head office. The facility includes eight bays providing 24 individual training spaces, a project room, and a classroom to support the delivery of entry-level and Level 1 qualifications in mechanical, electrical, plumbing and air conditioning services.

Sessions run Monday to Friday during term time, from 9.30am to 2.30pm, with four staff providing structured, supportive training. Council-funded sessions are also offered during school holidays.