The UK needs more than 250,000 extra construction workers by 2028 to meet projected growth in output, according to the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) new Construction Skills Network 2024-28 report.
The report reveals the UK’s construction output, which rose by 2% in 2023 for the third year on the trot, will grow by 2.4% a year on average between now and 2028, and to meet this growth more than 251,500 extra construction workers are required, with construction employment rising to 2.75m by 2028.
To address this challenge, CITB has invested £267m to help the industry improve diversity, quality and productivity as well as make construction a more attractive career choice for future generations.
Tim Balcon, chief executive of CITB, said: “The UK construction industry will continue to grow, but needs more people in the workforce with the right skills. There has always been a demand for workers, and CITB’s Construction Skills Network report drives home how many are leaving the sector compared to those joining, and the opportunities for employers to address this challenge by recruiting and developing a skilled, competent, and diverse workforce that is able to meet current and future needs.
“The ‘people pipeline’ is critical to sector growth, but other improvements are also important, including productivity and technological innovation. This is why our commitment to investing over £267m to ensure the skills system is fit for purpose – now and in the future – is so significant.
“The past few years have posed many challenges for the industry and as a sector we have shown significant resilience. 2024 and beyond hosts a more positive outlook and through a joined-up approach to recruit, train, develop and upskill talent, CITB will continue to play a crucial role in supporting an industry that is a key driver of the UK economy.”
