UK Construction Industry Launches National Campaign to Attract Young Talent and Bridge Skills Gap

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is advocating for a nationwide construction careers campaign to address the critical skills gap in the UK construction industry. This initiative aims to cut unemployment and inspire young people to pursue rewarding careers in construction.

Positive Views on Construction Careers

The campaign would leverage the positive perceptions of construction careers among young people and their parents, as highlighted in the CIOB's Attitudes Towards Construction Careers report. It would follow the successful frameworks of existing campaigns for the armed forces and teaching, making it easier to implement and adapt.

Government Coordination and Industry Funding

The campaign could be coordinated by the government but funded by industry bodies. The CIOB has expressed willingness to fund the campaign with contributions from other organizations like the CITB. David Barnes, head of policy and public affairs at CIOB, emphasized the urgency: "It is hugely concerning that 957,000 young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment, or training. A national campaign showcasing the exciting and rewarding careers available in construction would inspire some to join the sector, bringing down these shocking statistics and boosting the industry."

Diverse Opportunities in Construction

The construction sector offers a wide range of roles, including design, surveying, project management, and sustainability, alongside traditional trades. Many positions now involve AI and innovative technology, which are areas of strong interest for young people. The survey also revealed a preference for health and safety careers among female respondents. However, misconceptions about physically demanding and outdoor work persist, limiting awareness of these opportunities.

Challenges in Translating Positive Views to Participation

Despite positive shifts in attitude, there has been no significant increase in young people joining the industry. Miruna Leitoiu, CIOB’s policy and public affairs officer, explained in an article for PBC Today: "The uncomfortable truth is that construction’s recruitment challenges are not new. Over successive governments, we have seen wave after wave of post-16 skills reform, but construction was rarely the explicit priority. When vocational routes appear to be in flux, young people and parents understandably hesitate. Stability and clarity matter."

The campaign seeks to address these issues by providing stable and clear pathways into construction careers, ultimately helping to deliver the new homes and infrastructure needed across the UK.