The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) says that such a campaign will cut unemployment and help to close the skills gap
The construction careers campaign in question would be nation-wide, and would capitalise on the positive views on construction careers from young people and their parents alike, as highlighted in the CIOB Attitudes Towards Construction Careers report.
It would also be similar to the existing campaigns in place for the armed forces and teaching, meaning a framework of successful campaigns can easily be adapted.
The campaign could be co-ordinated by the government, but funded by industry bodies
The CIOB say that they themselves could fund the campaign, with contributions and support from other bodies such as the CITB.
David Barnes, head of policy and public affairs at CIOB, said: “It is hugely concerning that 957,000 (as per the ONS stats for February 2026) young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training. We believe a national campaign showcasing the exciting and rewarding careers available in construction would inspire some to join the sector, bringing down these shocking statistics and boosting the industry to deliver the much-needed new homes and infrastructure the Government has committed to.
“The construction sector is crying out for talented people and can offer opportunities in a vast range of roles including design, surveying, project management and sustainability alongside the frontline trades. Many roles now use AI and other innovative technology, and our survey of 2,000 young people shows these are strong areas of interest for them, while we also saw a strong preference towards health and safety careers from female respondents. Unfortunately, however too many people are unaware such jobs exist within construction and the misconception that all roles are physically demanding and involve lots of time working outdoors are sadly still rife.”
Positive views are not translating to participation
Writing for PBC Today, CIOB’s policy and public affairs officer, Miruna Leitoiu, discusses the findings of their Attitudes to Construction Careers survey and why, despite positive shifts in attitude, this is not causing an increase in young people joining the industry.
Miruna wrote: “The uncomfortable truth is that construction’s recruitment challenges are not new. Over successive governments, we have seen wave after wave of post-16 skills reform: the Apprenticeship Levy, new apprenticeship standards, T Levels, Skills Bootcamps. Each reform promised to rebalance the system in favour of technical education. Yet construction was rarely the explicit priority. It was assumed the sector would benefit indirectly from broader change. That assumption has not held.
“For years, construction-specific pathways were unstable or marginal within the wider reform landscape. Early construction T Levels were withdrawn before replacements were embedded. Skills Bootcamps initially offered limited construction provision. Qualification reviews created uncertainty for colleges and students alike. When vocational routes appear to be in flux, young people and parents understandably hesitate. Stability matters. So does clarity.”
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