The challenge of the industry
We accept the challenge
The competition for skilled workers in the construction and building industry is extremely high and companies need to rethink how they attract their workforce.
The industry faces a tough challenge to meet its recruitment needs in a labour market that is running hot and with new CITB research showing that just 2% of those inside construction see it as their preferred industry to work in. Construction could be more successful if it aligned its recruitment approach to values where it scores highly. These include stability and security, the variety of work, the opportunity to have a positive impact and the chance to specialise and become an expert.
Available to everyone
The industry needs to widen its net to recruit the tens of thousands of new workers it needs. Currently, women only make up 14% of the workforce and workers from ethnic minorities just 6%. Fixing this isn’t just about changing the culture, it’s about making the opportunities much more visible and accessible.
Research shows that people outside or who have little contact with the industry often have limited knowledge of what construction can offer, while negative perceptions and misconceptions surrounding culture and behaviours persist. The CITB report also found that only three-in-ten outsiders feel construction is ‘for someone like them’.
Construction has the chance to address these perceptions and appeal to a much wider group. The industry is described by that inside as a field that offers generous pay, opportunities for progression, and a varied working environment.
Stable employment industry
LevelUP thinks that there will always be opportunities in construction. The industry has big strengths, such as the ability to make a positive impact, including its contribution to Net Zero. It scores highly on the variety of work and the opportunity to specialise, become an expert, and progress your career.
The challenge is to bring the knowledge and understanding of insiders to those outside of the industry and to celebrate what is good about it. LevelUp aims to create enthusiasm and make construction the career of choice for thousands of potential new workers.