The UK construction sector faces challenges from rising costs and delays, with a pressing need for 225,000 new workers by 2027 to meet ambitious housing targets.
The construction industry in Europe is currently experiencing significant transformations, largely influenced by economic conditions, escalating material and labour costs, and ongoing project delays. In the United Kingdom, this scenario is compounded by a pressing need for labour, with projections estimating that the country will require an additional 225,000 construction workers by 2027. This aim aligns with the Labour government’s ambitious goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes by the end of its five-year term. The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has asserted that achieving this target is unlikely unless the skills shortage within the construction workforce is effectively addressed.
Thomas Vandecasteele, managing director of contractor and property developer Legendre UK, has highlighted that recruitment practices among European nations could provide valuable insights for the UK sector. He noted that in countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands, careers in construction are held in high regard, often equating the status of construction roles with those found in consultancy within the built environment. This respect for the profession facilitates the attraction of talent, particularly from younger demographics.
In these European nations, employment models tend to favour permanent positions, particularly at both worker and management levels; approximately 80 per cent of the construction workforce are permanent employees. This structure promotes a culture of loyalty, with individuals often spending a decade or more in the same organisation, which in turn encourages contractors to invest in employee training and development opportunities. In contrast, the UK construction sector experiences higher rates of self-employment, with about 745,000 self-employed workers documented in the industry as of the third quarter of 2024. This trend contributes to less workforce stability and places reduced emphasis on long-term development of employees.
To draw more individuals into industry roles, it is crucial to enhance promotion of career opportunities and create greater awareness of the variety of paths available within construction. The government’s recent announcement of a £140 million investment in training hubs and a renewed emphasis on apprenticeships is deemed significant. These high-quality, tailored apprenticeship programmes are pivotal for effectively preparing students for careers in the construction industry while expanding the recruitment pool of well-trained professionals accessible to businesses.
European models of in-house upskilling also merit attention. Countries like France prioritise professional development through apprenticeships that combine technical education with practical application. Apprentice training centres, known as CFAs in France, integrate theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, thereby equipping students with the skills adaptable to industry demands. A shift towards supporting in-house training in the UK could offer similar advantages, allowing newcomers to benefit from mentorship by seasoned industry professionals.
The ongoing technological transformation within the construction sector underscores the need for upskilling the current workforce alongside attracting new talent. As new roles emerge, particularly in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and onsite construction, a commitment to continuous education becomes essential. Without concerted efforts towards skill enhancement, the industry risks falling behind other sectors that are benefitting from technological advancements.
The holistic contractor model prevalent in many European countries presents a positive pathway for the UK construction industry. In France, site managers are expected to oversee a wide range of responsibilities encompassing health and safety, logistics, finance, and procurement, thus rendering these roles more appealing due to the diverse skills required. This integrated approach fosters greater efficiency and stronger profit margins, further enhancing the attractiveness of construction careers.
To ensure the UK construction sector retains its competitive edge, there is a pressing need to reshape perceptions of the industry. Emphasizing modernisation initiatives, embracing recent technological advancements, and instilling a culture of continuous learning are all crucial steps. Collaborative efforts between developers and contractors are necessary to strategically manage risks and rewards, ultimately cultivating a robust and adaptable construction sector poised to meet future demands.
Additionally, a unified dedication to sustainability, innovation, and the reinforcement of improved regulatory frameworks could set new benchmarks within the industry, facilitating constructive change. Such cooperative ventures are likely to not only benefit the UK but also contribute positively to the construction industries across Europe, positioning them as attractive and respected career choices that reflect their considerable contributions to society.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.constructionbriefing.com/news/what-construction-inflation-in-europe-looks-like-for-2025/8042480.article – This article supports the forecast of positive growth in European construction output in 2025, driven by various sectors and funded by EU initiatives.
- https://www.approachpersonnel.co.uk/blog/uk-construction-sector-to-reach-2-67m-workers-by-2027 – This source corroborates the need for additional construction workers in the UK by 2027 and highlights the sectors requiring more workers, such as private housing, infrastructure, and repair & maintenance.
- https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/news-events-and-blogs/over-250-000-extra-construction-workers-required-by-2028-to-meet-demand/ – This article from CITB supports the requirement of over 250,000 extra construction workers by 2028 and the ongoing need for workforce development to meet industry growth.
- https://think.ing.com/downloads/pdf/article/eu-construction-outlook-strong-decline-this-year-but-signs-of-recovery-for-2025 – This report from ING highlights the expected recovery in the EU construction sector in 2025, driven by growth in renovation, infrastructure, and new building sectors.
- https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/news-events-and-blogs/over-250-000-extra-construction-workers-required-by-2028-to-meet-demand/ – This source also emphasizes the importance of recruitment, training, and upskilling to address the skills shortage and meet future demands in the UK construction industry.
- https://www.approachpersonnel.co.uk/blog/uk-construction-sector-to-reach-2-67m-workers-by-2027 – This article mentions the higher rates of self-employment in the UK construction sector and its impact on workforce stability and long-term development.
- https://www.constructionbriefing.com/news/what-construction-inflation-in-europe-looks-like-for-2025/8042480.article – This article discusses the role of EU funding, such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility, in supporting construction projects and growth in Europe.
- https://think.ing.com/downloads/pdf/article/eu-construction-outlook-strong-decline-this-year-but-signs-of-recovery-for-2025 – This report highlights the importance of infrastructure investments and the issuance of building permits in indicating future growth in the EU construction sector.
- https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/news-events-and-blogs/over-250-000-extra-construction-workers-required-by-2028-to-meet-demand/ – This source supports the government’s investment in training hubs and apprenticeships to prepare students for careers in the construction industry.
- https://www.approachpersonnel.co.uk/blog/uk-construction-sector-to-reach-2-67m-workers-by-2027 – This article underscores the need for continuous education and upskilling in the construction sector to adapt to technological advancements and emerging roles.
- https://think.ing.com/downloads/pdf/article/eu-construction-outlook-strong-decline-this-year-but-signs-of-recovery-for-2025 – This report emphasizes the importance of sustainability and innovation in the construction sector, aligning with the need for modernisation and improved regulatory frameworks.
