The Government has pledged to build 300,000 homes per year to solve the current housing shortage. However, in order to meet the demand for the new building projects, the UK construction industry needs an estimated 400,000 new workers every year until 2021.

The shortfall has been blamed on failure to replace employees who have left the industry due to retirement or career change. Even though it seems like the new generation should take over the vacant positions, the youngsters no longer view construction as a desirable career choice. A survey conducted by the Construction Industry Training Board that asked a group of 14 to 19 year olds which careers interested them, found out that construction scored 4.2 out of 10, because young people see it as ‘being outdoors and getting dirty’.

For this reason, the construction industry should start working on its image and rebuild the way the young generation sees it. A good start would be educating the workforce of tomorrow on the innumerable benefits of a construction based career. Training is also an option, particularly for those looking for an industry recognised qualification as an opportunity and career enhancer. The training academy of Baumit offers bronze, silver, and gold courses that can be tailored to suit individual or group needs. They are a practical experience with ‘real life’ challenges that can be encountered in the workplace.

The silver and gold courses take place over two days, which gives candidates more time to absorb and reflect on the information and skills they’ve learnt. An extra thing the academy offers is support even after the course is finished. Those that complete the bronze to gold course journey will be equipped with an industry qualification and will become a Baumit approved partner, gaining access to a host of other benefits.

Those wishing to pursue a career in construction should know that there has never been a better time to do it than it is now. The country needs people interested in the construction industry.