The UK construction industry stands at a crossroads. With ambitious housing targets, major infrastructure programmes and an evolving focus on technology and sustainability, the demand for skilled workers has never been higher.
But the supply isn’t keeping up, and that puts the sector, the economy, and people’s livelihoods at risk. Let’s look at what’s at stake, why the gap exists, and how training can help bridge it.
What’s at stake:
Economic growth, project delivery and quality
According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the UK will need around 250,000 additional construction workers by 2028 to meet projected demand. That’s roughly 50,000 new recruits every year just to keep up with growth.
The construction sector remains a major part of the UK economy. It contributed around £117 billion in 2018 and supported about 2.4 million jobs according to the House of Commons Library. More recent analysis shows the sector still represents around 6.1% of the UK’s gross value added (GVA) and employs approximately 2.22 million people, or 6% of the national workforce (Tokio Marine HCC, 2024).
Without more qualified people entering and progressing through the industry, housing targets, infrastructure projects and regeneration programmes risk falling behind schedule or rising in cost.
A shortage of skilled labour can also affect quality, safety and innovation. With fewer qualified workers, there’s less capacity to maintain high standards or adopt new methods such as modular construction, digital surveying or sustainable building techniques.
Impact on individuals and careers
For anyone thinking about starting a career in construction, there’s never been a better time to get involved. The industry is evolving fast, with green technologies and digital tools creating exciting new opportunities. From learning how to work safely on site to gaining skills that could lead to roles in areas like retrofitting, energy efficiency or site supervision, training now sets you up for a career that’s built to last.
A matter of social value
Closing the skills gap isn’t just about business, it’s about communities. Construction creates local jobs, improves infrastructure and supports regional growth. Research by the CBI and Oxford Economics found that every £1 spent on UK construction generates almost £3 of wider economic benefit, meaning the ripple effect of training and employment goes far beyond the site gates.
For anyone thinking about starting a career in construction, there’s never been a better time to get involved. The industry is evolving fast, with green technologies and digital tools creating exciting new opportunities. From learning how to work safely on site to gaining skills that could lead to roles in areas like retrofitting, energy efficiency or site supervision, training now sets you up for a career that’s built to last.
Why the skills gap exists:
An ageing workforce and fewer new recruits
More than one in three construction workers in the UK is over the age of 50, and many are approaching retirement. Meanwhile, the number of apprentices entering the sector has declined over the past decade. Without more young people joining, the gap between those leaving and those entering continues to grow.
Building diversity
Women currently make up only around 15% of the construction workforce, and fewer than 3% of tradespeople on site are female. Attracting a broader and more diverse workforce is key to solving the skills shortage.
Changing skills requirements
Modern construction isn’t just about physical labour. It now demands digital skills, environmental awareness and a solid understanding of new materials and methods. Without up-to-date training, workers risk being left behind as the industry evolves.
Regional challenges
Skills gaps vary across the UK. In the Northwest, major investment in housing and infrastructure is increasing demand for skilled trades faster than new entrants can be trained. Local delivery and flexible learning options are vital in helping people access opportunities close to home.
How training helps and what CSS brings to the table
At Complete Skills Solutions, we’re committed to helping people step confidently into, through and up the construction industry. Here’s how training makes the difference, and how we support learners and employers every step of the way.
Getting site-ready from day one
To start working in construction, you’ll need the right foundation:
- A site-entry qualification and CSCS card
- Core health and safety training
- A positive, safety-conscious attitude and understanding of site procedures
Our fully funded construction courses remove the barriers to getting started. We help learners prepare for tests, apply for cards, gain hands-on experience and develop the mindset needed to work safely and effectively on site.
Once you have successfully completed this training, there’s also the opportunity to secure a work placement on one of Vistry’s sites, as well as support finding a local job in construction.
Building progression and specialisation
Training doesn’t stop once you’ve started in construction. With the right support and progression routes, you can move from entry-level roles to skilled trades, and eventually into supervisory or management positions. As you gain experience, you can also develop specialist skills in areas like green construction, retrofitting, and digital site management, all of which are becoming more sought-after as the industry evolves.
Benefits for employers and employees
When people are trained and confident, everyone wins:
- For learners: increased employability, better pay and clear career progression
- For employers: a reliable, qualified workforce ready to deliver quality work safely
- For the sector: a stronger, more resilient construction industry able to meet future demand
Overcoming barriers
We understand that time, cost and travel can make training difficult, so we’ve designed our courses to make things easier:
- Fully funded training to remove financial barriers
- Support with CSCS applications
- Local delivery across the North West to reduce travel time
- Career guidance to help learners choose the right path
- Employer links to connect training with real job opportunities
- Access to a Community Shop membership
Why It Matters for You
If you’re thinking about a career in construction, now is the time. The industry urgently needs skilled people, and there’s a clear route for anyone willing to learn and work hard.
- High demand means genuine opportunity
- Up-to-date training makes you employable and future-ready
- Career growth is achievable for anyone willing to take the first step
Take Your First Step Today
At Complete Skills Solutions, we’re here to help you bridge the gap, whether you’re starting out or changing careers.
- Explore our fully funded construction courses
- Get help applying for your CSCS card
- Receive one-to-one career support from our team
The construction skills gap is real, but it’s also an opportunity. Together, we can build the workforce the UK needs.
Start your journey today with Complete Skills Solutions.
