Building the Future: Addressing Skills Gaps in the UK Construction Industry

The UK construction sector is at a turning point. With £140 billion in gross value added and ambitious government targets like building 1.5 million homes, retrofitting for net-zero, and major infrastructure development by 2030, the demand for skilled workers and enhanced construction skills has never been higher. Yet, chronic skills shortages threaten to stall progress.

As the construction skills gap widens, addressing this issue is essential for the future of the industry. The importance of developing robust construction skills cannot be overstated.

In this blog, we break down the key findings from the June 2025 Skills England construction sector report — and what it means for workforce development, diversity, training pathways, and how Access2Site can be your strategic partner in navigating these challenges.

🔍 Why Construction Skills Matter More Than Ever

Construction contributes 6.2% to the UK economy, yet it’s the least productive industrial sector in terms of R&D investment. As projects become greener and more technologically advanced, skill demands are evolving rapidly.

These changes necessitate a workforce equipped with enhanced construction skills to meet evolving project requirements.

The evolution of construction skills is crucial for adapting to these demands and ensuring sustainable growth in the industry.

Government Drivers of Demand:

Investing in construction skills is crucial for maintaining the industry’s efficiency and competitiveness.

• Net-zero retrofitting and green infrastructure

• 1.5 million new homes by end of Parliament

• Upgrading 5 million homes for energy efficiency

• Supporting offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture initiatives

These initiatives require specialist roles, from civil engineers to retrofit specialists, prompting urgent focus on workforce capability and training expansion.

👷 Priority Roles in Demand

The industry needs an additional 251,500 workers by 2028. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the fastest-growing job categories include:

• Carpenters & Joiners (+1.8%)

• Steel Erectors & Metal Workers (+1.7%)

• HVAC Technicians & Plumbers (+1.6%)

• Construction Project Managers (+1.4%)

• Architects (+1.1%)

High-demand trades also include:

• Welders

• Glaziers & Fitters

• Pipefitters

• Floorers and Wall Tilers

📉 What’s Holding Back Recruitment?

Despite high demand, 52% of vacancies remain unfilled due to lack of qualifications or experience. The problem isn’t attracting people — it’s retention, training quality, and pathway accessibility.

The construction skills shortage hampers progress, highlighting the need for improved training pathways.

Key Barriers:

• Low apprenticeship achievement rates (just 53% in 2022/23)

  Addressing the low achievement rates in apprenticeships is vital for enhancing future construction skills.

• Employer reluctance to hire due to administrative complexity

• Lack of site credentials for college graduates

• Underrepresentation of women (15%) and ethnic minorities (9%) in the workforce

🚀 Future Skills: Construction is Going Green and High-Tech

To adapt to the changing landscape, construction skills must evolve alongside technological advancements.

The construction landscape is shifting with Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), modular housing, and automation driving the need for new technical competencies.

Retrofitting for Net Zero

Training now needs to go beyond basic construction. Workers must understand:

• Building physics

• Airflow and ventilation

• Energy system integration

🎓 Training Pathways: Where We Are and Where We Need to Go

With over 24,000 construction apprenticeships started in 2023/24, the pipeline exists — but it’s leaky.

In 2023/24, we must focus on bridging the gap in construction skills to ensure a sustainable workforce.

Key Training Routes:

• SWAPs (Sector-based Work Academy Programmes) — 50,000+ starts since 2021

• Short Courses & Skills Bootcamps

• Apprenticeships (Levels 2-4)

• Town Planning Masters with RTPI accreditation

Employers and training providers alike are calling for:

• Modular training (e.g. bricklaying & plumbing micro-credentials)

• More flexible apprenticeship funding

• Clearer site access credentials post-training

🔧 What Needs to Change: Key Gaps in Provision

To build the future workforce, the following reforms are essential:

To effectively build the future workforce, an emphasis on construction skills is essential.

📍 Regional & Demographic Trends

Understanding regional trends in construction skills will aid in addressing the gaps in workforce training.

• 20% of housebuilders are non-UK nationals (65% in London)

• Younger demographics dominate London’s workforce

• Half of all architects are based in London/Southeast

• 70% of LSIPs identified construction as a priority sector

🧠 Final Thoughts

To meet the UK’s construction ambitions, skills investment must match infrastructure investment. Whether you’re an SME builder, training provider, or policymaker — now is the time to rewire our workforce strategy for sustainability, inclusion, and agility.

Aligning skills investment with the demand for construction skills is key to future growth.

Let Access2Site be your trusted partner — contact us today to see how we can help.

Let us work together to develop the construction skills needed for a sustainable future.

🔗 Useful Links

• Construction Leadership Council

  Check out additional resources to enhance your knowledge of construction skills training.

• Department for Education

• Skills England – GOV.UK