Young people say construction among top job choices

Construction companies such as Mace, Thakeham, Wilmott Dixon, Morgan Sindall, and Wates are now active in the education sector (Photo: AdobeStock)

The survey, which included 100,000 young people, revealed that construction is one of the preferred career paths for students by the time they reach 11 years old, along with creative and media, healthcare, business and finance, and engineering.

The survey highlights the influence that companies can have in sparking interest in their sector by working with schools and colleges. The construction sector needs to recruit nearly 50,000 new entrants annually to maintain output, according to the latest report from Build UK and CITB.

Construction companies such as Mace, Thakeham, Wilmott Dixon, Morgan Sindall, and Wates are now active in the education sector, working with young people to develop the skills the industry requires and signpost career pathways.

Further research among the business community by CEC shows more than nine in ten construction companies (97%) say working with schools and colleges is helping develop new talent pipelines and encouraging young people to take up careers in their sector.

More than four in five (87%) say it’s helping close skills gaps, with 91% saying it’s boosting recruitment for jobs and apprenticeship roles. 84% say it’s helping improve the diversity of their workforce.

Rita Patel Miller, Associate Director of Sustainability at Mace Group, says, “Careers education is essential to Mace to ensure we create the next generation of talent we need right across our business.

“Building essential skills is beneficial, because it means we can help young people and new entrants really understand and be prepared for the workplace of today and what employers are looking for.

“By going out into schools and connecting with young people you can shape the future of your workforce, so why wouldn’t you do it.”