Skills Gaps
Closing the Skills Gap in Construction
Skills Gaps
Closing the Skills Gap in Construction
The construction industry has long faced challenges in recruiting enough applicants to maintain demand (skill shortages), as well as address skill demands in the existing workforce to meet evolving regulatory requirements and technological changes (skills gaps).
Why is there such a challenge?
The skills challenge is not the result of one single issue, but a combination of factors:
- Perception problems: The industry is not always seen as an attractive or modern career option, especially among young people and career changers. There also remains the perception that construction is just a physical career and one that is dominated by a ‘macho culture’.
- Loss of workers: A large portion of the current workforce is approaching retirement, with too few new entrants to replace them, leading to a loss of knowledge and expertise.
- New skill demands: Rapid change in areas like digital technology, sustainability, and modern methods of construction have created a gap in knowledge and capability that the industry desperately needs to fill.
- Lack of diversity: Of all construction staff in the UK: only 14 per cent are women, with up to 2 per cent in on-site roles; only 6 per cent are from Black, Asian or other ethnic minorities; and only 6 per cent declare a disability. A lack of diversity in decision making during construction hampers the industry’s ability to reflect the communities it serves.
What are we doing?
CIOB is committed to raising awareness about opportunities in construction and the changes necessary to improve access to the profession. In particular, we:
-
Publish Research:We publish research to highlight construction’s capacity challenges, sector attitudes, and ways to diversify routes for underrepresented groups.
-
Campaign on Policy Recommendations:We advocate for opening up new routes into the industry, better careers advice, and broader routes into the sector to widen the talent pool.
-
Support Employers:We help firms implement best practice in training, upskilling and career development, and develop new courses and CPD.
-
Push for Greater Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:We campaign for a more diverse, inclusive built environment and support the sector through our EDI Charter and campaign page.
What is happening at a policy level?
There are major changes being made to the skills system in the UK. Some of the most recent changes and proposals include:
Our Campaigns & Positions
No results found
Please select another option
Our Consultations
No results found
Please select another option
Our Research
No results found
Please select another option
Our News
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI with 2025-30 plan
CIOB and others in the B.E. Inclusive initiative have agreed the next phase of their joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan
No results found
Please select another option
Construction challenge for East Midlands students showcases future talent
Students studying the built environment were put to the test during a CIOB challenge in Nottingham