Construction employers, training providers and industry partners gathered at the Eden Project on 22 September for the Building Cornwall's Future Workforce: Construction Employer Forum.

Hosted by Cornwall Council, the event brought together around 85 delegates representing employers, training providers, industry partners, public sector organisations and support services to explore workforce challenges, discuss future skills needs and hear the findings of the newly launched Cornwall Construction Sector Skills Deep Dive 2026.

The event featured contributions from a range of industry speakers, including Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, who shared insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the construction sector nationally. 

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said: "It was fantastic to see so many attendees from across Cornwall and beyond coming together to discuss the key issues affecting construction skills and employment. The event was a great success and what was clear was that collaboration is key and those in the room had an appetite to work together. It will require all elements collaborating to help drive the much needed economic growth - local government, colleges and employers."

The forum also marked the launch of the Cornwall Construction Sector Skills Deep Dive 2026, a major piece of research examining the current and future construction labour market across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

While construction continues to play a vital role in delivering Cornwall's housing, infrastructure and net zero ambitions, the research highlights growing pressure on the sector. Employers continue to face recruitment challenges, skills shortages in key occupations and increasing demand for workers as major housing, infrastructure and low-carbon projects move into delivery. 

The report highlights the significant role construction plays in Cornwall's economy:

• 15,000 people employed in Cornwall's construction sector
• More than 4,000 construction businesses operating across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
• 99.9% of construction businesses are SMEs
• Around 1,500 learners enter construction-related education and training each year
• Demand could reach almost 5,000 additional construction workers during peak project delivery.

The findings presented at the forum highlighted both the scale of the challenge and the opportunity facing the sector. With an ageing workforce, increasing demand for skilled labour and significant growth expected in areas such as housing delivery, retrofit and low-carbon construction, attracting, developing and retaining talent will be critical to Cornwall's future economic success.

One of the strongest themes to emerge throughout the day was the appetite for partnership working. Discussions repeatedly highlighted the importance of employers, training providers, industry bodies and partners working together to address skills shortages, improve progression into construction careers and develop the workforce needed for the future.

Jenna Smith, Assistant Business Development Manager, Wilmott Dixon said: "I found the discussions around apprenticeships, training opportunities, and workforce development particularly valuable, and it was great to hear practical examples of how organisations are working together to address the skills gap."

With the majority of Cornwall's construction businesses being SMEs, collaboration will be essential to ensuring the sector can respond to future demand and create opportunities for local people to access rewarding careers across the industry.