There is a severe shortage of construction workers currently with some reporting that at least a quarter of a million additional construction workers will be needed by 2026 to meet growing demand in the industry. Job vacancies are at an all time high but with low unemployment it is proving difficult to get the skilled workforce that is needed.
The largest increases in annual demand are expected to be for occupations such as carpenters and joiners, electricians and plumbers and construction managers. These roles obviously need skilled individuals with a few years’ experience and training so even if the training begins now it will be a few years before they filter through into the job market.
The construction industry has a lot to offer, and there is so much potential for career progression as you may realistically enter the industry as an apprentice and leave it as a CEO, but the industry needs to attract and retain top talent in a competitive recruitment market.
Training routes into the industry are varied with some coming via apprenticeships and others coming via college and university routes but whichever route is taken unless the employees coming into this field stay the construction worker crisis will only get worse.