Yet, as Albert Einstein once said, in the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity. This is our opportunity to inspire a new generation, not just to shape the built environment that surrounds us, which in itself is pretty great, but to also build meaningful, enduring careers.
Construction is the backbone of our economy. From schools and hospitals to homes and transport links, we rely on skilled workers to shape the world around us. But today, 35% of construction workers are over 50 and only 20% are under 30. By 2035, over one-third are expected to retire, taking decades of experience with them.
With the government’s stated aspiration to build 1.5 million new homes, reforms to the planning system and changes to how energy is generated and transmitted, all contributing to construction’s lot, the demand for skills is growing.
Despite offering good pay, job security and clear progression routes, construction still struggles to attract young people. Part of the problem is perception. Too often, construction is seen as a last resort rather than a first-choice career. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Today, construction is a modern, dynamic industry, as much about technology, sustainability and innovation as it is about bricks and concrete. From drone surveying to 3D modelling, the industry is evolving fast, so it needs digitally savvy, creative minds and the manual skilled trades that are the frontline of our industry.
One of the most effective routes into construction is through apprenticeships. These offer young people and career changers, the chance to earn as they learn, gaining hands-on experience and nationally recognised qualifications.
Yet, despite the benefits, in 2023/24 just 24,230 people began a construction apprenticeship, far short of the 240,000 needed over the next decade to meet workforce demands.
Better news is that female participation is at a historic high, with the number of women starting a construction apprenticeship up 7%. We also see more young people from diverse backgrounds entering the field.
In Hampshire, where Knights Brown is based, South Hampshire College Group provides the Level 2 Groundworker Apprenticeship at its bespoke Civil Engineering Training Centre in Fareham. This offers a state-of-the-art environment in which to gain practical skills in a real-world setting, equipping students with the introductory skills needed to work on construction sites.
Knights Brown was one of the scheme’s founding employers, who set out to design a course tailored to the specific needs of the industry. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and after the initial classroom period spent gaining the tickets needed to work safely on site, they emerge ready and able to make a genuine contribution.
The growing ranks of supporting employers all guarantee to provide work for the full duration of the two-year apprenticeship and to offer full-time employment on completion. This kind of hands-on, employer-linked training is exactly what is needed, giving young people a clear route into a rewarding career, while helping local employers fill critical skills gaps.
Other routes into the industry that open up opportunities include studying at college or university one day a week, with the rest of the week spent in the workplace learning on the job. This way young people can earn a salary while gaining a valuable, recognised qualification. This route can lead to careers such as civil engineering, construction management and quantity surveying.
We advocate parents talking to their children about the full range of career options and visiting apprenticeship fairs to encourage hands-on learning. We appeal to educators to partner with business to highlight construction careers, invite guest speakers and to promote STEM and vocational pathways equally.
Young people, if you enjoy problem-solving, working with your hands or using technology, construction could be for you. Apprenticeships are open to everyone, no matter your background or academic path.
This is the time to rethink how we prepare young people for work. With the right support, apprenticeships can unlock potential, transform lives and launch rewarding careers.
