The construction skills shortage and how we build a sustainable workforce

There is little that’s new about the skills shortages within construction. For years, experts, including us at Talk.Build, have flagged concerns about aging workforces, declining interest among young people and mismatched skillsets. Yet, despite the recurring narrative, the solutions offered frequently fail to address the underlying systemic issues. This is why we must think again about the way we promote construction, by exploring innovative global efforts and reframing our industry as a dynamic, appealing career choice for younger generations, writes John Ridgeway.

The construction industry is still perceived as labour-intensive, unglamorous and resistant to change. These outdated stereotypes contribute to the lack of appeal among younger demographics. Meanwhile, the sector’s reliance on traditional hiring methods and slow adoption of technology exacerbates the problem – just look at the statistics.

A large proportion of the global construction workforce is nearing retirement age. In the UK, for example, nearly 22% of construction workers are over 50 years old. Young people, particularly those in developed countries, are increasingly drawn to tech-savvy and flexible careers. No surprise then that according to a 2023 survey by Autodesk, over 78% of construction firms in North America reported difficulties in finding skilled workers.

The construction industry is not just facing a recruitment problem - it's grappling with a perception issue. This lack of appeal has created a talent vacuum, leaving companies unable to meet growing demands for infrastructure, housing and sustainable development.

Rebranding construction

To attract a younger workforce, the construction industry needs to rewrite its story. Instead of being seen as "just a job," construction must be positioned as a pathway to innovation, creativity and societal impact – and for the record - this is how we at Talk.Build think that this can be achieved.

The integration of technology such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), robotics and drones, is revolutionising construction. Smart construction tools and automation are not just increasing efficiency – they are creating new, specialised roles. Young people, accustomed to digital environments, are well-positioned to lead this tech-driven transformation initiative.

Moreover, the global push for sustainable construction has opened doors for environmentally conscious individuals. Roles like carbon analysts, green building specialists and renewable energy integrators align with values that resonate with younger generations. Reframing construction as a sector that contributes to solving the climate crisis could spark interest among purpose-driven individuals.

Although many of us seem to forget this fact, construction is not just about manual labour. Project management, engineering, design, logistics and even marketing play vital roles in the sector. Campaigns that highlight the diverse skillsets required can help dismantle the misconception that construction jobs lack intellectual engagement.

Another one of the major barriers is the perception of construction jobs as physically demanding and inflexible. Companies can address this by adopting flexible schedules, prioritising health and safety and offering clear career progression pathways.

Global innovation

In spite of all this, we are seeing some positive progress. Countries worldwide are taking bold steps to tackle the skills shortage, offering valuable lessons on what works and motivates potential recruits.

Germany’s vocational education system integrates academic learning with hands-on training. Students alternate between classroom instruction and real-world apprenticeships. This model has been instrumental in developing a steady pipeline of skilled labour for construction, with young people entering the workforce prepared for both technical and practical challenges.

Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has heavily invested in technology and workforce training programmes. The Construction Productivity and Capability Fund provides financial incentives for companies to adopt new technologies and upskill workers. This proactive approach has made Singapore a global leader in construction productivity.

To address skills shortages, Australia has prioritised increasing the participation of women in construction. Campaigns like "Women Building Australia" challenge gender stereotypes and provide mentorship programmes for women. The initiative has led to a noticeable increase in female enrolment in construction-related training courses.

India has launched the National Skill Development Corporation to provide training in various trades, including construction. Recognising the scale of its infrastructure needs, the country emphasises short-term certification courses that rapidly prepare workers for specific roles.

What the future holds

All this is happening in response to the evolving needs of the construction industry. The integration of AI, robotics and prefabrication methods has created demand for new skillsets. As these technologies reshape how projects are designed and executed, traditional jobs are being supplemented - or even replaced - by specialised roles.

In addition, the shift toward modular construction is attracting workers with backgrounds in manufacturing, logistics and supply chain management. By highlighting these modern opportunities, the industry can appeal to talent from adjacent sectors.

Education systems also need to play a role in repositioning construction as a viable career option. Initiatives like introducing construction technology into school curricula and offering scholarships for construction-related degrees can help bridge the gap. Similarly, partnerships between construction firms and academic institutions can ensure that training programmes align with real-world demands, making graduates job-ready.

There can be no doubt that for young people looking for purpose-driven careers, construction offers unique opportunities. Unlike many industries, construction leaves a visible legacy, from iconic buildings to transformative infrastructure projects.

From housing shortages to climate change, construction professionals also play a key role in solving critical issues. Furthermore, whether it’s through sustainable designs or technological innovations, the industry offers endless possibilities for creative problem-solving.

It’s time to dismantle the outdated image of construction as a "last resort" career. By embracing its potential for innovation and sustainability, young people can be part of an industry that literally builds the future.

For young people, construction represents a chance to shape the world in meaningful ways. With thoughtful reforms and global collaboration, the sector can evolve into a hub of opportunity, creativity, and purpose. The question is not whether construction can attract new talent - but how quickly it will adapt to do so.