With hundreds of 14 to 16-year-olds receiving their GCSE and exam results this week, many construction professionals are urging those interested to enter the industry
Research from Trade Direct Insurance found that 42% of 14-16 year olds are considering a career in construction or trades, but this is not followed through by 17-18 year olds, where the interest drops to 26%.
This means that GCSE results day is a critical time for the industry, as fostering and maintaining that interest could be key to tackling the skills shortage.
Research shows several factors affecting career choice
AI is an important factor in young people’s career choices, with 28% of respondents saying they want a career in an industry that isn’t threatened by AI, 24% said they want a job where they can use their hands, and 31% said they want a job that keeps them active rather than bound to a desk.
However, the 38% drop in interest shows that not enough is being done to maintain young people’s interest in trades as they progress through secondary education into higher education.
Patricia Gardiner, director of sales and marketing at Trade Direct Insurance, said: “It’s clear that by the time students are studying their A-Levels, the window of opportunity to attract them to the trades is likely closed. To avoid missed potential, it’s essential that we do more to help young people discover the opportunities that a career in trade can offer, and give them the information they need to make an informed choice. The government’s recent announcement to increase technical education after the age of 14 could therefore become a huge bonus for the sector.
“It’s genuinely encouraging to see that more than half of today’s teenagers have thought about a career in construction or the trades. What’s particularly interesting is what is drawing them to these careers – hands-on work, staying active and the prospect of a career that AI can’t easily replace.
“The challenge is turning that initial interest into action. Right now, only 4% are planning to study a trade next year, compared with 35% who are actively considering or seeking one out. If we want to close the skills gap the industry is facing, we need to reach young people earlier and make the routes into these careers clearer, whether that’s through technical education, apprenticeships or other qualifications.”
Industry leaders say we must encourage young people into trades
Tim Balcon, CEO at the Construction Industry Training Board, said: “Receiving your GCSE results is a time many start thinking more about their futures. It’s important that they, and those around them, remember that traditional A-Levels and then university is not the only option, and success can be achieved in many ways.
“Construction offers opportunities for people from all backgrounds, with more than 180 roles spanning everything from engineering, digital technology and project management to sustainability, design, commercial management and traditional trades. There really is something for everyone, whether you want to work on site, in an office, or in a highly technical or professional role.”
Nicola Hodkinson, owner and director of Seddon, said: “For young people receiving their GCSE results today, this should be a moment of opportunity. But those hoping to begin their careers through an apprenticeship may quickly discover that the route we encourage them to pursue is extremely difficult to access.
“At Seddon, we receive thousands of applications for our apprenticeship scheme each year, around 100 for every role. These are young people who want to work, develop practical skills and build long-term careers. Yet there are simply not enough places available to give them that chance.
“The wider picture is just as concerning. Data reported by the BBC shows that applications for degree apprenticeships through the government’s central platform have risen from 8,100 to 21,800 in three years, while the number of available positions has fallen from 7,300 to 3,700. Although those figures relate specifically to degree apprenticeships, they expose the same gap between young people’s ambitions and the opportunities available to them.
“The latest government figures show apprenticeship starts increasing by 8.7% overall, but starts among under-19s fell by 5.4%. Construction apprenticeship starts rose by 5%, which is encouraging, but progress needs to happen much faster if apprenticeships are to become a realistic option for more school leavers.
“This is particularly frustrating because construction desperately needs them. CITB estimates that the industry will require an average of 41,200 additional workers every year between 2026 and 2030. Construction cannot keep complaining about its skills shortage while young people who want to join the industry are being turned away.
“Employers have to accept their share of the responsibility. Too much of the industry still relies on a flexible or self-employed workforce and expects somebody else to train the next generation. That may meet an immediate labour need, but it leaves young people without routes into the sector and weakens the workforce we will all depend on in future.
“There are genuine barriers for employers. Training an apprentice is a long-term commitment that involves wages, equipment, structured learning and experienced people dedicating time to passing on their skills. Yet there is very little funding available to employers to offset these wider costs, and what support does exist can be difficult to access, with layers of red tape that many businesses simply do not have the resources to navigate.
“The government is beginning to recognise this. The introduction of a £2,000 hiring payment for smaller employers taking on young apprentices is a welcome step, as is the decision to give jobs, skills and apprenticeships greater weight in major public contracts. These changes now need to translate into more opportunities on the ground, with their impact closely monitored and further support introduced if apprenticeship numbers do not keep pace with demand.
“This cannot be solved through education policy alone. Giving technical education the same status as academic routes is the right ambition, but that promise will ring hollow if young people reach the end of school and find there is nowhere for them to go.
“Results day should open doors. government, clients and employers now need to make sure construction creates enough of them.”
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