The skills gap in the housing sector is widening by the day. How can we bridge that gap and build a future-ready workforce?
In this episode, Greg Reed, Group Chief Executive at Places for People, shares his views on why the sector struggles to attract talent and the forward-thinking
strategies he’s using to tackle these challenges.
With a background in banking and financial services, Greg brings a fresh perspective to the UK’s largest social enterprise focused on affordable housing and community
development. He shares how Places for People is addressing the skills gap through collaboration, grassroots talent development, and innovative initiatives like PfP Thrive.
PfP Thrive is a charitable foundation dedicated to training apprentices in trades and housing management. Designed to benefit the wider sector, it serves as a resource for other housing associations, fostering collaboration to tackle skill shortages and create lasting change.
In this episode, we cover:
● The obvious gap in skilled trades—and a growing area you might not expect.
● How to be an attractive employer and retain skilled tradespeople.
● Strategies to attract a diverse workforce in housing and construction.
● How large and small housing providers can work together.
● Why selling job opportunities based on salary alone isn’t enough anymore.
● Greg’s vision for housing associations to act as catalysts for community growth and engagement.
● How the PfP Thrive Academy is training apprentices and creating community-driven workforce development.
Discover how Places for People is reshaping workforce development and how housing associations across the UK can join in to bridge the skills gap and empower communities.