The annual industry forecast from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) highlights the continuing persistent gap between what the South East needs to keep up with demand and the workforce available to meet the challenge.
CITB’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) 2024-28 report reveals that in the South East:
- Construction output is set to rise by 2.7% annually between now and 2028
- 10,400 extra workers (2,080 a year) will be needed in order to meet the continued construction growth expected over the next five years
- The major opportunities are in repair and maintenance, including housing and non-housing – in 2024 , and new work, including public and private housing – from 2025
Despite the industry managing to recruit around 200,000 people every year UK-wide, in 2023, an average of 38,000 vacancies were advertised per month.
For almost a third (31%) of construction employers, finding suitably skilled staff remains their key challenge, particularly with more older workers retiring and not being replaced.
Although the UK construction industry welcomed 200,000 new workers, it saw the loss of more (210,000 workers).
With the ongoing difference between the predicted need for construction work and the available workforce, CITB’s forecast shows how important it is for the industry to tackle the issues with effective recruitment and training to replace those leaving and better prepare for the future, as well as to take advantage of key opportunities such as productivity improvements and meeting net zero retrofit targets.
In response to the challenges, 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.
Among the areas this investment will directly support are three expanded initiatives:
- New Entrant Support Team (NEST): Helping employers to better navigate the recruitment process, access grants and suitable training, when and where needed
- Industry Impact Fund: Making direct funding available for employers to design and test new solutions for talent recruitment and retention challenges
- Employer Network: Rolling this out across Great Britain, to enable local employers to set their own funding priorities and meet area-specific skills needs.
Tim Balcon, CITB chief executive, 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 CSN 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 South East has a range of schemes moving forward that will be major drivers for growth. These include the Lower Thames Crossing, the longest road tunnel in the country, due for completion by 2030 at an estimated cost of £6.4bn-£8.2bn.
“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.”
