Addressing the Top 3 Construction Industry Skills Shortages

According to the latest Construction Skills Network (CSN) report, the UK needs 225,000 new construction workers by 2027. The construction industry plays a key role in shaping our built environment, but there’s currently a significant skills shortage that sees a total of 58% of organisations struggling to hire the skills they need.

As the demand for projects increases, and experienced workers retire, it’s important to address skills shortages and the most in-demand construction jobs in the UK. In this blog, we’ll discuss the top construction industry skills shortages and the potential solutions to overcome them.

Skilled Tradespeople

There’s a range of skilled tradespeople that are in high demand but in short supply, including the likes of:

• Bid Managers
• Pre Construction Managers
• Electricians
• Quantity Surveyors
• Project Managers
• Construction Workers

This is primarily due to the ageing workforce and the lack of young people showing interest in such industries. According to YouGov Omnibus research, only 3% of young people aged between 18-24 have searched for a job in the construction industry.

Undoubtedly, these numbers are drastically low. External influences, such as parents and teachers, often contribute to a negative perception of the construction industry, which could potentially encourage young adults to choose different career paths.

As discussed, we need skilled tradespeople to meet the growing demand for their services. Let’s take a look at several key tradespeople and their average salary.

1 – Engineers

The construction industry is experiencing a shortage of engineers. The shortage is affecting the progress of ongoing technology and infrastructure developments, along with the UK economy. It’s believed that 49% of engineering businesses are experiencing difficulties recruiting workers with the skills they need.

This shows the demand for people to work in this sector, with new research revealing that the UK faces a shortfall of 1 million engineers by the year 2030. Recruiting and mentoring engineering graduates, providing scholarships, internships, job placement programmes, and promoting engineering careers through outreach initiatives could attract more talent to the industry. Engineer roles in demand include:

• Site engineers – average salary of £41,585
• Gas engineers – average salary of £37,500
• Building engineers – average salary of £38,138

Addressing the skills shortages in the industry requires a many-sided approach, both short-term and long-term. Investing in vocational training and apprenticeship programmes, providing mentorship and development opportunities, collaborating with educational institutions, and promoting careers in the industry are helpful strategies to bridge the gap.

At Strategic Resourcing, we understand the demand for engineers in the UK. We help companies find reliable engineers who are seeking either senior or junior positions. Our innovative platform allows for a streamlined process of finding suitable candidates to fit in-demand engineering roles.

2 – Electricians

It was revealed by the UK Trade Skills Index 2023, that a staggering 100,000 new electrician recruits are needed by 2032. From the Government promoting renewable energy to the general lack of interest from the younger generation, electricians, like many other tradespeople, are in great demand.

More and more electricians are reaching the age of retirement. This means that we’re losing our most skilled workers at an increasingly fast speed. But are there other factors contributing to the demand for electricians in the UK?

The construction industry continues to grow at a rapid speed, meaning more projects require electrical work, both now and in the near future. The UK Government is also pushing for sustainable energy solutions across the country now more than ever – again, requiring extensive electrical work from skilled tradesmen who understand more complex installations.

A recent study revealed that 104,000 more electricians are needed by 2032 – a staggering amount compared to other similar trades.

Typical Salary – the typical salary for electricians in the UK is roughly £42,000 to £45,000 depending on experience.

3 – Quantity Surveyors

The need for additional Quantity Surveyors in the construction industry is high. Quantity Surveyors are no doubt in shortage, but why?

From ensuring project deadlines are met within budget, to overseeing the general efficiency of a project, Quantity Surveyors are much needed in the industry – but we simply don’t have enough. In the first quarter of 2024, there were roughly 69,100 Quantity Surveyors working across the country. Many will agree that this isn’t an adequate amount.

There’s been a decrease in the amount of new graduates entering the industry as Quantity Surveyors – which of course could be causing some issues regarding the shortage.

At Strategic Resourcing, our specialised recruiters can help you find top talent in construction, including Quantity Surveyors. Through our platform, you can connect with suitable candidates to fill your available Quantity Surveyor position and manage the hiring process from posting a vacancy to conducting interviews.

Typical Salary – the typical salary for Quantity Surveyors in assistant roles is £25,000 and up to £75,000 for senior positions.

4 – Construction Managers

One of the most in-demand construction jobs in the UK is project management. The first quarter of 2024 shows that roughly 87,000 construction managers are working across the country.

This might not be nearly as many as we need, as Construction Managers are in high demand, and those who work in the profession are very much a key part of the industry.

Managing a project isn’t always easy, and it requires someone experienced and skilful to take on the role. However, as more managers slowly retire, we rely on the younger generation.

A survey completed earlier in the year by the Association for Project Management (APM) revealed:

• 1 in 8 project managers believe that the skills gap is becoming worse
• 40% think that more action should be taken to promote apprenticeships or other recruitment routes

As time goes on, there’s an increasing need for construction professionals, including project managers, to possess more technological and digital skills. Many believe that part of the reason for the lack of managers in the industry is down to a lack of skills in digital areas.

Typical Salary – the typical salary for construction managers in the UK is between £35,000 and £75,000 per year.

Digital and Technological Skills

As discussed, construction, among other industries, relies heavily on technology. This means that as more of the older workforce retires, the younger generation must show both digital and technological skills to be able to complete the more advanced methods and procedures that take place within construction.

With skills in digitisation, aspiring construction workers might have a better chance to get into the industry. The Office of National Statistics revealed that 20% of the construction workforce is over the age of 50, and that figure rises to 58% when you add in the 29-45 age group.

To ensure the skills shortage seen in the construction industry is improved, more companies should invest in training programmes to upskill their workforce – or, more courses should be offered for those wanting to enter the industry.

Courses on Building Information Modelling (BIM), virtual reality, data analytics, and other emerging technologies could potentially help bridge the skills gap. Additionally, partnering with universities and vocational schools to incorporate these skills into their curriculum in the long term could create a pipeline of skilled professionals.

How Do You Attract Younger People to the Construction Industry?

To attract more young people to construction jobs, there are several strategies that companies can implement.

1 – Firstly, the industry should work to improve its image and promote itself as a viable and rewarding career path. Companies can do this by participating in career fairs and school visits while educating both young people and parents about the wide range of roles available in the industry.

2 – Secondly, construction companies should collaborate with educational institutions to develop programmes that provide the younger generation with hands-on experience and a clear pathway to employment, helping them see what the industry is really about. These programmes could also be designed to incorporate digital and technological skills that are attractive to their age group.

3 – Thirdly, the industry needs to change the perception of construction jobs as being dangerous and low-paying. A survey in 2023 found that 77% of full-time students in the UK between the ages of 18-24 wouldn’t consider a career in construction, and many believed that jobs within the industry are too unsafe and dirty.

The industry needs to emphasise the opportunities for career progression, the potential for entrepreneurship, and the competitive salaries and benefits available to skilled workers, while also honing in on how great the construction industry can be to work in.

4 – Finally, construction companies could utilise social media and other digital platforms to showcase the exciting and innovative projects they are working on, and to highlight the stories of successful younger individuals working in the industry. Attracting the younger generation (and taking better approaches to do so) means that the construction industry can ensure a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers to meet current and future demand.