Dandara inspires future talent at MK College open event amidst industry recruitment challenges

With the UK construction industry facing an urgent skills shortage, attracting new talent is more critical than ever. To help address this growing challenge, independent housebuilder Dandara attended Milton Keynes College’s Open Event on 18th March, engaging with students to showcase the wide-ranging career opportunities within construction.

Milton Keynes stands as a testament to proactive development, having exceeded its housing targets for the seventh consecutive year. Since May 2024, the city has seen completed 1,955 new homes, averaging seven new properties daily[1]. 

However, sustaining this momentum requires a pipeline of skilled professionals and the UK's construction sector is currently grappling with significant recruitment challenges, with an aging workforce and a decline in apprenticeship completions exacerbating the shortage of skilled workers. The industry requires an additional 225,000 workers by 2027 to meet growing demands[2]. 

Industry leaders are stepping in to bridge the gap and Dandara was among those attending the event at MK College – offering practical insights into career pathways within the sector. As one of the UK’s leading independent housebuilders, Dandara has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality homes across the country. The company provides a range of career opportunities, from apprenticeships to specialist roles in construction, planning and site management. At the event, students had the opportunity to meet Dandara representatives, explore entry routes into the industry and gain practical advice on building a successful career in housebuilding.

Alison Murphy, Learning and Development Manager at Dandara, highlighted the company’s hands-on approach in encouraging the next generation of construction professionals, stating: "The construction industry is at a pivotal juncture. With projections indicating a required growth of 8% in 2025 and a further 10% in 2026, the demand for skilled professionals has never been higher[3]. At the event, I spoke to several students who were eager to learn more about the opportunities available within housebuilding and it’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm for the industry.

“We know that the future of housebuilding relies on the talent we invest in today. Events like this are crucial for inspiring young people to see construction as a dynamic, rewarding career. We’re not just here to talk – we’re here to create real opportunities into the sector, offering mentorship, apprenticeships and hands-on experience to help shape the workforce of tomorrow."

Mark Livingstone, Senior Employment Engagement Manager at MK College Group reinforced the importance of industry collaboration in addressing the skills gap: "It’s vital that young people see first-hand the opportunities available to them in industries like construction. Milton Keynes is expanding at a rapid pace, and to sustain that, we need skilled workers. Partnering with companies like Dandara helps students connect classroom learning with real-world careers, giving them the confidence and direction they need to take the next step."

Dandara’s participation in the MK College Open Event is part of its wider commitment to educating the next generation on the opportunities available in the UK housebuilding industry. By actively engaging with students and providing clear career pathways, the company is helping to secure a skilled workforce capable of meeting the nation’s ambitious housing goals.

 
[1] https://www.mkcommunityhub.com/post/milton-keynes-smashes-housing-targets-for-seventh-year-running
[2] https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/construction-industry-research-reports/construction-skills-network-csn/#overview
[3] https://www.v7recruitment.com/what-to-expect-in-the-construction-industry-in-2025/