Russell Haworth, CEO at NBS and UK CEO at Byggfakta Group, discusses a shift in the landscape and how young people are open to the idea of construction as a long-term occupation.
Persuading young people to choose a career in construction has been a difficult process. Unfortunately, stubborn misconceptions – mainly that the industry is dull, dangerous and dirty have hampered recruitment efforts, creating a shortage of skills and a greying workforce.
Yet recently, the landscape has shifted and for the fi rst time in a long time, young people are open to the idea of construction as a long-term occupation. In a recent study, NBS found that more than half of 18-24-year-olds (56%) now see construction as an ‘attractive’ career option1. A further positive is that around half of the women surveyed are keen to join the industry, with a fifth very keen.
If we play this right, it could open up a whole host of opportunities, particularly for the finishes and interiors sector, building upon its 280,000 strong UK workforce worth £10 billion annually. With a broad scope to join one of the most dynamic areas of construction, we can show young workers how to transform structures into ‘wow-factor’ buildings, leaving a positive mark on the world around them. So, how do we get the next generation on board? Find out how, here.
