CIOB encourages young Scots receiving N5 results to build a career in construction

On 5 August 2025 thousands of young people across Scotland received their National 5 results. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has been encouraging them to consider a career in construction.

Not only does the sector offer meaningful and well-paid work, but it is also vital to achieving Scotland’s housing and climate goals, the world’s leading professional body for construction management and leadership says.

In fact, CIOB believes Scotland’s ambitious plans to tackle the housing emergency and meet net zero targets risk falling short unless more is done to steer young people toward the construction industry.

A recent CIOB survey* found nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of 16-24-year-olds in Scotland view construction careers positively, and over a third (36 per cent) would consider working in the sector.

However, almost half (43 per cent) of respondents said construction was not included in the careers advice they received during school - a missed opportunity to engage students at a critical decision-making stage.

Jocelyne Fleming, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer for CIOB in Scotland, said: “Results day is a time of reflection and decision-making for young people across the country.

“For Scotland’s construction sector, the simple fact is that unless more young people are guided into roles such as architects, surveyors, site managers, skilled tradespeople, and technicians, the country’s infrastructure and climate goals could be at risk.

“With demand for skilled workers in construction continuing to rise, there’s never been a better time to consider a career in this rewarding industry so we’re encouraging as many young people as possible to give a role in construction some serious thought.”

A parallel CIOB survey** of parents of 16–24-year-olds in Scotland revealed 77 per cent would support their child working in construction, with over a third (39 per cent) preferring the “earn while you learn” approach of apprenticeships over university - reflecting concerns about student debt and uncertain graduate job prospects.

Jocelyne added: “Three quarters of the young people we surveyed in Scotland already have a positive view of construction, but we’re not doing enough to encourage them into the sector – and we believe a lack of clear careers guidance plays a part in this.

“As young people across Scotland weigh their next steps after N5 results, we’re urging students, parents, teachers, and careers advisers to take a fresh look at construction - not just as a job, but as a rewarding, future-proof profession that builds communities and shapes a better world.”

The construction skills gap remains a critical challenge. Recent analysis from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) shows the Scottish construction sector will need almost 3,600 new workers each year between now and 2029 just to meet expected demand.

Young people interested in pursuing a career in the construction sector can find free resources at: https://www.goconstruct.org/

This article appears on the CIOB news and blog site as "CIOB encourages young Scots receiving N5 results to build a career in construction" dated 5 August, 2025.

https://www.ciob.org/news/ciob-encourages-young-scots-receiving-n5-results-to-build-a-career-in-construction

--CIOB

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