For most people, job opportunities and career progression are two of the most important factors when considering a role in any field.
While employment in any profession can never be guaranteed, knowing there are a healthy number of opportunities and job openings is always encouraging.
As the construction industry’s well-documented skills shortage shows no signs of slowing up, those who hold the sought-after qualifications and knowledge could be in a strong position when it comes to job opportunities, indicating that now could be the ideal time to invest in training, or upskilling in a trade.
Demand for workers greater than predicted
According to the latest Construction Skills Network (CSN) report, an additional 225,000 construction workers may be required by 2027.
In fact, construction recruitment is expected to add 168,500 jobs in 2023, which is 10,000 more than expected a year ago.
Firms struggling to fill skills gaps
The construction skills shortage has become a major issue for firms, with many struggling to find the necessary talent to fill skills gaps in their workforce.
The Trade Skills Index 2023 highlights how construction and trade vacancies are now reaching record highs, reporting a significant shortage of plumbers, bricklayers, carpenters and electricians.
What tradespeople are homeowners searching for?
In terms of domestic work, Compare Companies (via Electrical Times) conducted a study to find which trades homeowners are searching for most frequently.
Of more than half a million searches conducted in the first half of 2023, which is a 10% increase in comparison to last year, plumbers were the most in demand trade, with 110,000 searches.
This was followed by locksmiths (74,000 searches), electricians (60,500 searches), roofers (40,500 searches) and landscape gardeners (40,500 searches).
Construction roles on the shortage occupation list
The government’s shortage occupation list (SOL) — which makes it easier for foreign workers to come to Britain in an attempt to solve skills shortages through reduced visa salary requirements and application fees — is a good indicator of the professions that are in the highest demand within the construction industry.
Bricklayers, plasterers, roofers and carpenters have all recently been added to the SOL as employers face particular difficulty when it comes to recruitment in these areas.
If you’re interested in learning more about construction training and taking your first steps towards a career in the trades, then please feel free to visit us in the centre where our team can answer any questions and show you around our construction training facilities.