Around two thirds of Brits wouldn’t consider working in construction, says a new survey from Construction United. 

The survey, conducted by YouGov,  polled 2,000 members of the public and measured perceptions of a number of industries and found that the vast majority would never consider a career in the construction industry (67%), with just 17% saying that they would give it thought.

Construction United is a coalition of some of the industry’s leading companies and experts, which flies the flag for all of the great things about the sector, while dispelling the myths and outdated perceptions that the public may have about construction.

SIG Construction United Shield onlyMark Tomlin, UK group sales and marketing director at one of Construction United’s major contributors, SIG Distribution, said: “It’s a shame that a sector as broad and diverse as construction can often be viewed negatively. For the most part the public only really see loud, inconvenient building works rather than seeing essential improvements to our country. One of our central aims is to combat and not only make the industry more proud of the great work it does, but to ensure that the public sees the benefit of new buildings and infrastructure.

“The results of this survey prove that there is a huge disconnect between the way that construction is viewed and the reality. A sector that provides so much to the UK economy, and whose role is to modernise the buildings that we live in and the transport links we use every day, should be seen as a vital, worthwhile sector that the country should be rightly proud of.”

Construction also isn’t seen in a particularly academic light, with 41% of respondents stating that it is one of the sectors least likely to require higher/further education, along with the armed forces (40%) and charity work (39%).

Construction United is calling for all those with a vested interest in the success and image of the industry to come together and join the cause, ensuring that a true picture of the industry emerges. As well as championing the cause throughout the year, the campaign will culminate in a week of awareness-raising events from 17-23 October.

For more information on Construction United, and to sign up, please visit www.constructionunited.co.uk