CIOB research shows young people are interested in built environment careers – we must do more to bring them into the industry, writes Victoria Hills
As covered in CM last month, CIOB has run a survey on attitudes to working in construction for the second year.
The focus of our poll, which is part of our work to bring more people into construction, was to better understand the perceptions and views towards careers in the built environment.
Our questions were put to both young people aged 16-24* and their parents** – and this is key as parents are so influential in steering the life choices their children make.
The survey shows parents are supportive, with three-quarters saying they would back their child if they wanted a construction career. But the barriers here include parents not having much awareness of routes into the industry.
The survey also showed two-thirds of 16- to 24-year-olds feel positively about a career in construction. But other findings reveal only 30% of respondents would actually consider working in the sector, while 45% say that construction is not covered in the careers advice they get, so we see evidence that more action is needed to tackle the skills gap.
Combine this with what we already know about how big the skills gap is, how long-standing it is as an issue and the government’s ambitions to deliver a significant number of new homes – and there are good reasons why we are compelled to keep this high on the agenda.
“CIOB’s call is for a coordinated, collaborative campaign to attract more young people into construction.”
One way to do that is to look at the question that emerges from our findings: how do we convert the interest and appetite that is evidently out there into individuals committing to our industry? How to get people to sign up for training and education for a career in the built environment? Or to take up job opportunities?
CIOB’s call is for a coordinated, collaborative campaign to attract more young people into construction. The messages are clear – perceptions of construction careers are improving and, from other research CIOB has carried out, we know roles within the built environment are interesting, viable over the long-term and often well paid. Not to mention the opportunities to do something which can make a huge positive difference.
A national campaign that highlights some of the roles and career paths available could help push those who are interested into action and inspire them to join us. Working hand in hand with employers to ensure the opportunities are in place, CIOB will continue to help join the dots across the complex and vast careers and skills arena.
After all, as someone who has had a career in the built environment, the only way is up!
Victoria Hills is CEO of CIOB.
* The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 2000 young people aged 16-24. The data was collected between 03.02.2026 – 09.02.2026.
** The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 2001 UK Parents, aged 31+, with children aged 16-24 years old. The data was collected between 03.02.2026-09.02.2026.
This is a very interesting and timely article. There are ongoing issues around the country with securing places on construction courses at colleges. Those youngsters leaving school without the required grades in English and Maths can, for example, choose a Construction Multi Skills course at Level 1 (no formal GCSE entry requirements).
The entry requirements for the various construction courses/apprenticeships vary depending on the levels to be achieved, for example, for a Higher Apprenticeship – HNC Construction Management (Construction Design and Build Technician) Level 4, students need GCSE Grade 4/C in Maths and English (Language or Literature).
Plus construction is not seen by many youngsters as being ‘trendy’ hence the need for a national campaign but one which is realistic about what working conditions in construction are like all year round. And, I would add, at a time when youth unemployment is increasingly a concern in the UK.