A diverse range of speakers took to the stage at an event seeking to combat the growing construction skills gap through education and training – including former prisoners whose lives it has changed. Building Better Futures, held at King’s College College in Cambridge and organised by Constructed Pathways and Women in Construction Anglia, looked to shine a light on the opportunities for people to train and join the industry. Latest figures reveal more than 225,000 additional workers are needed across the UK to fuel the government’s plans to build 1.5 million new homes by 2030. Among the speakers and attendees were former prisoners who spoke of how innovative training in construction, coordinated by Constructed Pathways, had transformed their lives. Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore, also spoke at the event. “I thought it was a brilliant event and just shows the potential and power for collaboration,” he said. “From my point of view as a Police and Crime Commissioner, getting ex-offenders into work is really important, so I’ll do anything I can to promote that. “We need more houses built and there’s lots of big civil engineering projects happening in the region, so anything I can do to help that cause, I will. “This event has been a great place for networking and showing what we can do – the power of collaboration has been here in bucket loads.” Alongside the various construction training programmes it runs, Cambridgeshire-based Constructed Pathways has supported prisoners at HMP Peterborough, giving them hands-on training and experience, helping them to find work in the sector on release. Steve Coleby, Director of Constructed Pathways, said: “This event has been a huge success, with some truly inspiring speakers taking to the stage. “The construction sector has a looming crisis ahead which it is well aware of, and needs innovative, short and long-term plans to find the workers to meet the government’s ambitious homes plans. “This event brought together industry and education leaders to address the growing skills gap issue, and it has been great to see people eager to work together to find solutions.” Clare Friel, founder of Women in Construction Anglia, added: “It has been an amazing day, seeing so many people coming together to tackle this important issue. “The construction industry is an incredible sector to be part of and it’s so important we showcase the opportunities to people so we can meet the challenges ahead.” For more information on Constructed Pathways and its training programmes, see here.For more on Women in Construction Anglia, see here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading North West civil and structural engineering consultancy Sutcliffe, today announced a commitment to train 40 new engineers over the next decade, marking its 40th anniversary with a substantial investment in tackling the UK’s engineering skills crisis. The announcement coincides with Sutcliffe’s milestone celebrations, with the firm’s 40th anniversary event taking place on October 8th at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in Bramley Moore. Operating from offices across Liverpool, Manchester, North Wales, London and the Midlands with a team of over 65 employees, Sutcliffe’s decade-long commitment directly addresses critical industry projections. The Royal Academy of Engineering has warned the UK faces a shortage of up to 1.5 million engineers by 2030, while ECITB data shows 91,000 engineers – representing 19% of the current workforce – are approaching retirement by 2026. This skills shortage threatens to undermine the Government’s ‘Build Baby Build’ target of delivering 1.5 million new homes, with engineering capacity becoming an increasingly critical bottleneck in housing delivery nationwide. Throughout its four-decade history, Sutcliffe has maintained a strong commitment to developing new talent, with a significant proportion of the current team having begun their careers with the company. The firm’s proven track record includes comprehensive apprenticeship programmes, graduate development schemes, and mentoring initiatives that have developed hundreds of engineering careers. The initiative addresses the growing financial barriers facing young engineers, with four-year university engineering degrees now costing up to £89,000, creating significant obstacles for talented individuals seeking to enter the profession. Sean Keyes, CEO at Sutcliffe, said: “The construction industry I joined over four decades ago is facing an unprecedented challenge. We’re looking at a skills crisis where nearly one in five engineers will retire just as demand for engineering expertise is set to surge by 28%. This isn’t simply an industry issue – it’s a fundamental threat to our ability to deliver the homes and infrastructure our communities desperately need. “At Sutcliffe, we take pride in nurturing talent from the ground up. Some of our most senior engineers today started their journey with us as apprentices or graduates, and they’re now leading complex projects across the UK. Our commitment to train 40 new engineers over the next decade isn’t just about securing our own future – it’s about ensuring our industry has the skilled professionals needed to tackle the challenges ahead. “We’re not waiting for others to act. This is about taking responsibility and investing in the next generation who will inherit the built environment we’re creating today. The young engineers we train now will be the ones solving tomorrow’s challenges, and we’re determined to give them every opportunity to excel and lead the way forward. We have a responsibility to pass on our knowledge to the next generation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A new report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has revealed that the surveying profession is grappling with significant and widening skills shortages, particularly within the construction sector. According to the survey, around 90% of professionals believe their area of work is being affected by a lack of appropriately skilled colleagues. Nearly one-third describe the shortfall as ‘critical’, warning that it is already hindering project delivery and productivity. A further two-thirds view the shortage as ‘moderate’ but caution that it could escalate without urgent action. The most acute challenges were reported in building surveying and quantity surveying, with respondents pointing to an ageing workforce and high retirement rates as major contributing factors. Many noted that new entrants are not joining the profession quickly enough to replace those leaving. More than half of surveyors said that workforce shortages are reducing capacity and output, while two-fifths reported rising costs and over a quarter observed a slowdown in innovation across the built environment. Despite these pressures, the survey highlights growing optimism around technological transformation. Around 60% of respondents expressed positive views on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency. Concerns about job security or being displaced by technology were minimal, particularly among younger professionals — two-thirds of surveyors aged 17 to 34 said they were confident about the industry’s digital future. A separate RICS report on AI in construction recently found that while enthusiasm is high, actual adoption of AI tools remains relatively low. Nonetheless, survey respondents were united in calling for greater digitalisation and identifying advanced digital skills, data analytics and big data management as key priorities for future training. Decarbonisation and financial management also featured prominently on the list of essential capabilities for the years ahead. When asked how to close the skills gap, surveyors proposed a mix of practical and strategic solutions, including:• expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities• promoting surveying careers more effectively• upskilling existing professionals• fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry. RICS acting president Nick Maclean said: “The results speak for themselves – there is an enormous demand for surveyors, and the profession is swiftly advancing with the pace of technological change. These are immense opportunities for both a new generation of surveyors and for existing professionals to upskill across the exciting landscape of technological change. “Closing the skills gap is a crucial part of delivering the 1.5 million new homes target, as well as the essential infrastructure improvements that the government has committed to in its ten-year strategy. RICS continues to listen and act on the advice of its members, leading the profession into the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Despite the UK construction industry employing over 2.2 million people, only 15% are women, and they make up only 2% of manual skilled roles, such as electricians and plumbers.   And the stakes are high, with the UK government committing over £700 billion in infrastructure investment over the next decade, targets for 1.5 million new homes by 2029, and a critical labour shortage across the country.   To highlight this issue, Excavator Parts Direct (EPD), a leading UK supplier of excavator parts, has revealed key construction roles with significant gender disparities, what the opportunities are and what can be done.  According to recent data, here are six positions with key opportunities to bridge the workforce gap: Position  No. Of Female Employees  Annual Recruitment Requirement (People/Year)  Average Annual Salary  Carpenter / Joiner  0.5%  5280  £35,000  Electrician  0.7%  3500  £34,000  Plumber  1.8%  1250  £32,000  Roofer  1.9%  690  £30,000  Painter and Decorator  7.7%  690  £30,000  Plant Operator  10.3%  1130  £28,000  Over a third of new entrants (37%) to the construction sector are female, however retention and progression is limited, with only 16% of senior roles held by women. The gender pay gap is also stark as women earn up to 33% less than men in equivalent roles, making it the biggest gap of any UK industry.  This imbalance is particularly concerning given the UK’s severe labour shortage. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates the UK will need over 250,000 additional workers by 2028 to meet demand from infrastructure and housing projects. With 35% of the workforce over 50, retirement rates are outpacing recruitment. And despite growing conversations around workplace diversity, the latest ONS data shows that the number of women in skilled construction trades has remained stagnant for two decades, at 298,000.   Jane McGuire Head of Business Services & HR from EPD, commented: “The construction industry is a great sector to work in; however female representation is shockingly low. Gender representation isn’t just a social issue – it’s a strategic one. There is a real shortage in labour, as well as a huge gap in terms of gender in construction roles, in particular skilled manual roles. This is a missed opportunity for everyone.”  “The data shows us that women are significantly underrepresented in skilled trades and site-based roles, yet they make up over a third of new entrants to the industry. That gap between entry and progression is where we need to focus. At EPD, we believe the path forward includes inclusive apprenticeships, better PPE and site conditions, flexible working policies, and visible role models. When women can see themselves in these roles, and are supported to thrive, the entire industry benefits. It’s not just about fairness; it’s about building a stronger, more resilient workforce that is fit for what the country needs.”  For more information about Excavator Parts Direct, visit https://excavatorpartsdirect.com   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The best construction trainees and apprentices from across the UK have been announced following this year’s SkillBuild Regional Qualifiers. The Regional Qualifier finalists all now progress to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final in November later this year. SkillBuild, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the largest and longest-running industry skills competition in the UK and has become a prestigious showcase for those in construction. This year, over 1,000 students battled it out across 10 construction trade categories during 16 Regional Qualifiers, each one day long, in which participants were assigned a task relevant to their trade. Eight students – the highest scorers in each category – will go head-to-head in the National Final at the Arena MK, Milton Keynes on 19–20 November, where the 10 winners will be crowned top of their trade. The three-day final will consist of competitors constructing a project within 18 hours, with an expert panel of judges assessing them on a number of characteristics – including technical ability, time management, problem solving, working under pressure, and compliance with health and safety requirements. With CITB’s annual industry forecast highlighting that 47,860 extra workers are needed per year from 2025–2029, SkillBuild continues to be an important platform to spotlight the industry and the opportunities available. Richard Bullock, Head of Careers Products at CITB, said: “Congratulations to all of the competitors progressing through to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final – it’s truly a great achievement for them. “In a time when construction skills are in high demand, it is more important than ever to spotlight the next generation of construction talent. SkillBuild continues to further this mission and is proud to demonstrate the value that a trainee or apprentice provides to their team. “The quality of participants never ceases to amaze me – I’m excited to see this year’s National Final and wish all the competitors the best of luck!” Josh Thompson, Painting and Decorating Judge, said: “Having been a former contestant myself, I know first-hand just how amazing a competition SkillBuild is, and I intend to pass on any words of wisdom I can do all the competitors. It’s so encouraging to see the enthusiasm from trainees and apprentices across the industry coming from all corners of the country. Good luck to everyone participating in the Final later this year!” CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors, supporters and strategic partners of this year’s SkillBuild competitions:BAL Adhesives, Band of Builders, Brick Development Association, British Gypsum, Careers Wales, CITB NI, Crown Paints, Festool, FIS, Institute of Carpenters, N&C Nicobond, NFRC, NSITG, Saint Gobain, Schluter, SPAX, Stablia, TARMAC, The Tile Association, Tilgear, Weber, Wienerberger, The Worshipful Company of Masons, and The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Britain’s multi-billion-pound construction pipeline is under threat, as new data reveals the industry must recruit 61,000 new workers annually* – putting the Government’s five-year investment plan in jeopardy – including Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2030. According to CV-Library, the UK’s leading job for construction roles*, demand continues to grow, with job vacancies surging by 7.9% between January and July 2025, based on market wide data analysis. That being said, with a 14% decline in the workforce over the past five years, 15% of workers now over 60 (CITB data), growing concern as to “who will build Britain” exacerbates. To understand construction professionals’ sentiment of the industry, CV-Library conducted a survey of 625 workers that paints a stark picture of the workforce: Lee Biggins, Founder and CEO of CV-Library explains what the skills shortage could mean for Labour’s 1.5 million homes pledge: “Urgent action is needed to ensure the talent is there to build Britain. Labour’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2030 won’t be possible without the workforce to build it. Without confronting the growing construction talent gap head on, these ‘homes of the future’ won’t be built. The industry is under significant pressure and there needs to be urgent investment in skills if the Government is serious about delivering the UK’s major infrastructure goals. More needs to be done to retain existing workers and attract in new workers through apprenticeships and career changes. For those seeking a career change, the construction industry is one of the few sectors with big investment and a jobs boom. There are a wide range of roles in demand, with many of them being largely AI-proof, offering more job security.”  Despite the challenges, CV-Library analysed job market data which shows a strong interest and demand in construction roles in 2025, especially in regions like the West Midlands and North West, where application volumes remain high. The 10 most in-demand job vacancies across construction include: Methodology Nationwide market data used to analyse CV-Library’s status as the UK’s leading job board for construction roles. Job trends: CV-Library analysed market-wide job posting data, comparing vacancy rates from January to July 2025 compared to the previous six months. Referenced Data: Labour demand forecasts were sourced from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Survey: CV-Library conducted a survey of 625 construction workers in March 2025 to gather insights on workforce sentiment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

With over 140,000 vacancies, the UK construction industry is facing a major skills shortage[2]. To help address this gap, leading housebuilders Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has hosted a week long work experience at its Clipstone Park development in Bedfordshire, encouraging more young people to consider careers in construction. Leja, a Sixth Form student, took part in a work experience week at the development, where she shadowed several members of the Sales & Marketing team. During the week, she gained insight into client interactions, plot inspections and the general day-to-day role of sales advisors. The experience offered a practical look at what a career in the industry can involve, with guidance in the next steps of Leja’s career in the sector. As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting work experience programmes that help bridge the employment gap in construction, the housebuilders have previously offered work experience opportunities at Clipstone Park. In the past two years, local students from Vandyke Upper School and Aylesbury Grammar School had the chance to both work on-site at North Thames developments, as well as work at the housebuilder’s Head Office in Watford. All students gained valuable insights in the housebuilding industry, working across its Sustainability, Sales & Marketing and Legal teams to inspire future careers. Marc Woolfe, Sales & Marketing Director at Barrat David Wilson North Thames, said: “It was a delight to host Leja this summer at Clipstone Park and support her first steps into the world of housebuilding. We hope that Leja found the week useful and helped her to understand that a career in construction is much more than just bricks and mortar. Work experience opportunities like this are vital for young people as they give opportunities to inspire future talent and tackle the construction skills shortage head on.” Leja added: “My work experience week with the Sales & Marketing team at Clipstone Park has been vital in understanding what opportunities are available to me. The experience allowed me to learn more about the construction industry and the variety of roles available within it. I would like to thank the entire team at Clipstone Park for such an insightful week, and for all their support in guiding me in the beginnings of my career in construction.” Clipstone Park currently has a selection of three and four-bedroom homes, with prices starting from £370,000 for a three-bedroom home. To find out more about Barratt David Wilson North Thames or Clipstone Park, please visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/ https://www.dwh.co.uk or call 0333 355 8501.  [2] https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/pfp-thrive/insights-tools/the-uk-construction-skills-shortage/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals