CIOB shares insights on attracting more young people to construction
Contents |
[edit] Summary of key points
New insights into how positively young people and parents view careers in the construction industry have been released by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) on 10 March, 2025.
Surveys of 2,000 16-24 year olds* and 2,000 parents** of young people in that age range were carried out for CIOB in February 2025, which explored perceptions of the industry as well as what influences careers choices.
Two thirds (65%) of young people surveyed hold a positive view of construction careers while more than three quarters (79%) of parents are supportive of their child pursuing a career in the sector. Just under half (42%) said they would recommend a career in construction to their child.
However, both surveys highlighted how perceptions of poor workplace culture, male dominance and construction not being a respected career remain rife. “Male dominated”, “physical work” and “unsafe” were the most chosen options by young people for not wanting to work in the construction sector.
[edit] Reaction to the results
David Barnes, head of policy and public affairs at CIOB, said: “It seems we’re seeing a positive change in perceptions of working in construction from ones that historically have been fairly negative and this we hope will be welcomed by the industry. We firmly believe there’s more that can be done at Government level to improve access to construction careers, like the creation of a built environment GCSE in England and a review of careers advice, but employers can also help make the sector more attractive to young people.”
The survey showed parents, friends and people they know working in the sector were the top three influences on young people’s perceptions of working in construction, while family, friends and social media have the biggest influences on their career choices more generally.
Presented with a list of fields of work, the top three selected by the 2,000 young people were digital and tech, project management and health and safety. The parents surveyed would most like their children to work in computing and tech, business and finance and construction. As the third most preferred option construction ranked higher than healthcare, education, legal, creative and media, sport and leisure, armed forces, manufacturing, transport, tourism, retail and beauty.
Flexible working (49%), a good benefits package (42%) and career development funded by the employer (27%) were the top three choices by young people when asked what features offered by an employer would make them most likely to apply for a job.
CIOB hopes its findings, published in a new report (link) will help construction employers better understand which aspects of jobs appeal to young people and what influences their career decisions so job adverts, job descriptions and working practices and policies can be adapted to attract a wider range of applicants.
Barnes continued: “Offering and promoting the things we know matter to them such as flexible working, development opportunities and employee benefits wherever possible could all help attract more to consider the sector as a career option. It’s also important the industry works to overcome some of the negative perceptions around diversity, physical labour and safety as these are seemingly putting some young people off.
“Our survey highlights how roles spanning data and technology, project management and health and safety all appeal to young people. Construction offers roles in all three areas, but we need to do more to sell these and dispel myths that all jobs are trade based or working on building sites. It’s also clear many young people are heavily influenced by social media so it’s important for our industry, including employers, to keep pace with that.
“Here at CIOB we’ve recently launched our own TikTok channel to reach a younger audience for example. Parents are also influential, and a high percentage hold construction careers in high regard while many say they’d prefer their children to earn while they learn instead of going to university, something which the construction industry can offer.
“It’s time to make the most of the changes in attitudes we’re seeing and convert that positivity into more young people opting to join what those of us already in the sector know to be an exciting, fairly paid industry with amazing opportunities to learn and develop in a hugely rewarding career.”
[edit] Young people survey key findings
- Almost half of young people surveyed selected working on building site in their top three options for describing construction careers. It was the most chosen option.
- 36% say construction is not a respected career path
- 35% say the industry has a poor workplace culture
- 53% say the industry is not welcoming to women
- 28% feel careers in construction are not accessible to young people
- 25% say they think their parents would be embarrassed if they pursue a career in construction. Only 8% of parents said they’d be embarrassed if their child worked in construction.
- 47% say construction was not covered in careers advice they received while in education.
[edit] Parents survey key findings
- Women are more likely to have a high level of discussion about careers with their children than men (41% v 35%)
- 65% hold positive view of construction careers (71% men v 62% female)
- Almost two thirds (64%) of parents said they’d encourage their children to take a built environment GCSE were one to be available.
- More than three quarters (79%) would be supportive of their child working in construction with only six per cent saying they’d be unsupportive.
- More than 40 per cent (43%) said they’d prefer their child to “earn while they learn” instead of going to university.
To access CIOB’s Attitudes Towards Construction Careers Report click here.
[edit] Notes
- The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, amongst a sample of 2,001 young people aged 16-24. The data was collected between 04.02.2025 - 07.02.2025.
- ** The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, amongst a sample of 2,000 UK Parents, aged 31+, with children aged 16-24 years old. The data was collected between 04.02.2025-10.02.2025. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Opinion Matters is also a member of the British Polling Council.
This article appears on the CIOB news and blogsite as 'CIOB shares insights on attracting more young people to construction' dated 10 March, 2025.
--CIOB
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Apprenticeships levy.
- Barriers to nature engagement in young people.
- BSRIA call for more vocational training.
- CIOB launches global mental health survey.
- CIOB signs up to Green Skills At Cop campaign.
- CIOB student challenge inspires a new wave of Irish construction professionals.
- CIOB responds to skills strategy for Northern Ireland.
- Construction as a career of choice for young people.
- Construction recruitment agency.
- Consultancy vs contingent labour.
- Diversity and inclusion in the construction industry.
- Eight ways to win the fight for talent in construction.
- Get ready for green jobs and upgrade projects.
- Lack of construction careers advice threatens housing targets, CIOB warns.
- Meeting the demand for housing in the UK.
- National Infrastructure Plan for Skills.
- North-West initiative gives young people second chance to build a career.
- Order books fill but skills shortages worry contractors.
- Protection for apprenticeships.
- Skilled workforce unable to meet net zero ambitions.
- Skills.
- Skills shortage and Brexit.
- Student resources.
- Tackling the construction skills shortage.
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.