The UK construction industry is facing an unprecedented challenge as the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) annual forecast reveals the urgent need for 250,000 additional workers by 2028 to meet rising demand.
The Scale of the Challenge
According to CITB's Construction Skills Network 2024-28 report, the UK's construction output rose by 2% in 2023, marking the third consecutive year of growth. This upward trajectory is set to continue, with an average annual growth rate of 2.4% expected through 2028.
However, this growth comes with a significant caveat: the industry simply doesn't have enough skilled workers to sustain it.
Key Workforce Gaps
The shortage spans multiple critical trades:
- Bricklayers: Severe shortages affecting housebuilding programmes
- Groundworkers: Essential for infrastructure projects
- Carpenters: Critical for both residential and commercial construction
- Electrical installers: Needed for modern building systems
- Plumbers: Essential for all construction projects
Contributing Factors
Several factors have combined to create this perfect storm:
1. Ageing Workforce
A significant portion of the current workforce is approaching retirement age, with insufficient younger workers entering the industry to replace them.2. Brexit Impact
The departure from the EU has reduced the pool of available workers, as many EU nationals who previously filled construction roles have returned home.3. Industry Perception
Construction continues to struggle with its image among young people, who often view it as physically demanding with limited career progression opportunities.4. Training Investment
Historically low investment in training and apprenticeships has created a pipeline problem that is now manifesting as acute shortages.Government Response
The government has recognised the severity of the situation, with recent announcements including:
- £600 million investment in construction worker training
- Plans to train up to 60,000 additional workers by 2029
- Establishment of Technical Excellence Colleges
- Expansion of Skills Bootcamps
- New foundation apprenticeship programmes
Industry Innovation
Forward-thinking companies are turning to technology to address workforce challenges:
- Digital training platforms to accelerate skill development
- Augmented reality training for immersive learning experiences
- AI-powered mentoring to support apprentices and new starters
- Modular construction techniques to reduce on-site labour requirements
The Path Forward
Addressing this skills crisis requires a multi-faceted approach:
Conclusion
The construction skills shortage represents both a significant challenge and an opportunity. While the immediate need for 250,000 additional workers by 2028 is daunting, it also presents a chance to modernise the industry's approach to training and workforce development.
Companies that invest in innovative training solutions today will be best positioned to thrive in tomorrow's construction landscape. The integration of technologies like augmented reality training and AI-powered mentoring systems could be the key to rapidly upskilling the next generation of construction workers.
The construction industry's future depends on our ability to train workers faster, better, and more efficiently than ever before. The time for innovation is now.