Outdated perceptions of construction jobs as dangerous and low paid prevail in the UK, according to CIOB survey. Cristina Lago reports.
Many of those surveyed failed to see the benefits of working in construction.
Barely a fifth (21%) of adults in the UK think that construction jobs are well paid – despite official figures showing the average annual earnings in the industry are 5.5% higher than across all other sectors.
Research by CIOB found that although construction’s average annual earnings in 2022 were £36,000 – £3,000 higher than across all other sectors – more than half of people (57%) perceived average earnings to be lower than the true figure.
Construction workers saw average earnings rise by 24% between 2012 and 2022 – nine percentage points above other sectors – but perceptions of construction jobs as low-paid and with low prospects prevail.
Unlikely to recommend construction career
Sixteen percent of respondents said that they were “very unlikely” to recommend a career in construction to their children or young people they know. Only 7% said they were “very likely” to recommend that path.
When asked to choose words to describe construction jobs, the top answers were “overly physical”, “highly skilled” and “dangerous”. Men were more likely to recommend construction careers than women.
Geographically, people in London are the most inclined to recommend careers in construction (38%), while those in Wales the least likely (20%). People over 55 years old are least likely to recommend construction careers.
Misconceptions ‘a major concern’
Data from the Construction Industry Training Board suggests that an extra 224,900 people need to take construction jobs by 2027 (or 44,980 a year) to meet expected demand.
The misconceptions around the sector are a major concern for UK economic growth and the government’s levelling up and net zero objectives, according to CIOB.
CEO Caroline Gumble said: “As an industry we must take the lead in promoting construction as a viable career with strong financial and career growth prospects, but we also need the support of education leaders, including careers advisers, to change attitudes and this needs to start with government.
“Construction must be promoted as a sector in which people can make a positive difference, drive sustainability, improve their communities and leave a real legacy.”
The survey of 2,000 UK adults was carried out in February 2023 by Opinion Matters.
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As I get approached frequently by recruiters offering day rates or salaries I earned around the time of the 2008 to 2010 financial crisis, I think your respondents are correct.