Construction Worker Shortage: How Will it Affect The Construction Industry?

There’s a growing problem in the construction industry: construction worker shortage.

There aren’t enough skilled workers to entirely meet the demand of construction jobs available in the UK market. This shortage means that building projects, such as new homes or schools, are taking significantly longer to complete. And when projects are delayed, costs typically increase as well.

This shortage isn’t only a challenge for the construction industry—it affects all of us. When construction costs rise, those increases often pass down to consumers. For instance, if it costs more to build houses, the prices of homes may rise. Similarly, if it’s more expensive to construct a new store, the goods sold there may become more costly.

However, there are ways to fix this issue. In this article, we’ll explore effective strategies to attract more skilled workers into the construction sector. Our goal is to help make sure there are enough workers to keep building all the important projects we need, like homes, schools, and parks.

Key Takeaways

• The current UK construction worker shortage is causing delays in projects thereby raising costs.
• Key causes include an aging workforce, low interest among young people, and restrictive immigration policies.
• Social media, VR, and partnerships are attracting young talent to showcase construction as a modern career.
• Ongoing training and collaboration with government agencies help workers stay current with new technologies.
• Policies like visa programs and training incentives can support workforce development and industry resilience.
  
  

Understanding the Construction Worker Shortage

As mentioned earlier, the construction industry is facing a significant challenge: a shortage of workers. Imagine that each construction site requires 100 workers, but can only find 70. That’s a substantial gap.

According to NPR, the number of people actively applying for construction jobs between 2019 and 2020 online fell by about 40%.

So, why aren’t there enough workers? There are a few big reasons:

• Aging Workforce: Many skilled workers are getting older and retiring. That in itself is a huge gap left behind to fill.
• Lack of Interest Among Young People: The younger generation of today does not consider construction as a career path.
• Immigration Policies: In some places, labour laws for immigrants are very strict. This can make it hard for the construction industry to find enough workers, especially for jobs that require special skills.

When there aren’t enough workers, it affects everything in construction:

• Short-Term: Right away, projects take longer and cost more.
• Long-Term: Over time, if this issue is not addressed, it may become increasingly challenging to build new structures or maintain existing ones. This could lead to fewer new homes, schools, or parks being developed. Additionally, higher commercial construction costs may drive up the cost of living and limit affordability in certain areas.

In summary, the shortage of construction workers is a pressing issue. But by understanding the problem, we can start seeking solutions to solve it.problem, we can start finding ways to solve it.

Strategies to Attract Young Talent

One of the main ways to resolve the construction worker shortage issue is by finding ways to make the construction industry appealing to young talents. The construction industry is coming up with appealing initiatives to get young people interested in building careers. Here’s how:

Social Media Campaigns

Companies are leveraging platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase what construction work is really like. Through videos and stories, they highlight the impressive projects that construction workers build and the advanced technology they use, presenting the field as dynamic and exciting.

Virtual Reality Experiences

Imagine putting on a VR headset and stepping into a construction site without leaving your classroom. Some companies are doing just that, letting young people experience building in virtual reality. This way, they can see the fun and challenge of construction work up close.

School Partnerships

Construction companies and organisations are collaborating with schools to introduce students to construction careers.This includes initiatives like introducing guest speakers, offering construction site tours, and providing hands-on workshops where students can try out skills such as bricklaying or carpentry.

College Programs

Some colleges are working with the construction industry to create special programs specialising in construction. 

Apprenticeships

	2018/19	2019/20	2020/21	2021/22	2022/23	2023/24
Intermediate apprenticeship	6,616	5,548	4,989	4,406	5,156	4,848
Advanced apprenticeship	3,033	2,601	2,522	2,110	2,033	1,705
Higher apprenticeship	227	577	870	761	947	1,100
All apprenticeships	9,876	8,726	8,381	7,277	8,136	7,653

Apprenticeships combine classroom learning with real work on construction sites. Apprentices get to learn a trade by working alongside experienced workers. Some may get paid while learning on the job.

Internships

Internships give students a taste of what it’s like to work in construction. While they might not be as hands-on as apprenticeships, internships are a fitting introduction for students to see the variety of jobs available in the industry.

By using these strategies, the construction industry is working hard to attract young talent and show them that a career in construction can be rewarding, exciting, and full of opportunities.

Enhancing Skills Through Training and Development

In construction, learning is an ongoing process. It’s crucial for workers to continually improve their skills and expertise.

• New Technologies: The construction industry is constantly evolving with new tools and machinery that make work more efficient and safer. Workers must stay updated on how to use these innovations to remain competitive.
• Improved Construction Methods: Occasionally, new, more efficient building techniques are developed. Workers must be trained in these methods to ensure projects progress smoothly.

Training programmes play a vital role in developing these skills. Often, construction companies collaborate with the government or other organisations to enhance these initiatives.

Success Stories

Let’s look at some leading companies that understand the importance of continuous learning for their workers.

Bechtel

Bechtel, a global leader in construction, known for projects such as airports and bridges, has its own initiative called Bechtel University. Although not a formal university, it serves as an internal training platform where workers learn essential skills, from team leadership and project management to the latest construction techniques.

Skanska

Skanska is another major construction company committed to sustainable building practices. They educate their workers on environmentally-friendly construction methods, focusing on energy efficiency and the protection of wildlife. Additionally, they incorporate advanced technology and prioritise workplace safety, ensuring that their workers can build high-quality structures while being mindful of the planet.

Turner Construction

Turner Construction operates globally and offers a dedicated training programme known as Turner University. Through this platform, workers develop their leadership skills, refine their construction techniques, and focus on workplace safety. The company’s commitment to continual learning ensures its workers are well-prepared for the challenges of modern construction.

These companies understand that investing in employee development leads to higher quality work, stronger organisations, and safer job sites. It also benefits workers by providing opportunities for growth and skill enhancement.

Improving Working Conditions and Perceptions

Making Workplaces Better

Let’s discuss how to make construction jobs more attractive. First and foremost, safety is crucial. When workers feel safe, they are more likely to stay with the job.

It’s straightforward: better helmets, gloves, and training can significantly reduce risks. But it’s not just about preventing injuries; it’s also about providing peace of mind.

In addition, offering competitive wages is an essential strategy to tackle the shortage of construction workers.

However, it’s not just about financial compensation. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off can transform a job into a long-term career. When workers see the value in the overall package, they are more likely to stay and build a lasting career in construction.

Not Just Hammers and Nails

Construction work isn’t just about lifting heavy materials and getting dirty. There’s a great deal of exciting technology and innovation involved, from using drones to map out sites to employing virtual reality for planning and design. 

When people see that construction requires as much intellect as physical effort, they begin to view the industry in a new light.

Diversity in Hiring

The construction world is for everyone. By embracing diversity, we welcome a wealth of ideas and perspectives that enhance our work.

Whether it’s different cultural backgrounds or different life experiences, each individual brings something unique to the table. And when people feel included, they’re more likely to join and stay in the industry.

Policy and Regulatory Solutions

Visa Programs and Training Incentives

Addressing worker shortages in construction can benefit greatly from well-designed policies. For example, visa programs for skilled workers allow migrants from around the world to contribute fresh skills and perspectives to local projects.

	Bricklayers and Masons	Roofers, Roof Tilers and Slaters	Carpenters and Joiners
Number of Applications 1Q2021 – 1Q2024	735	194	760
Visas Granted 1Q2021 – 1Q2024	606	130	641

However, it’s not only about bringing in workers to solve the construction worker shortage problem; it’s also about investing in their development. Training subsidies and tax incentives can make a substantial impact. When businesses receive support for teaching new skills or enhancing existing ones, both workers and companies benefit: workers gain expertise, and companies build a more skilled workforce.

Support for New Construction Methods

Innovation in construction can be a big help, but it needs the right environment to thrive.

Take modular construction, for example. Building parts in a factory and assembling them on-site can save a lot of time and labour. But for this to truly succeed, regulations need to be on board.

Supporting these new methods can make building faster, cheaper, and less reliant on a large workforce.

Saudi Arabia stands out as a prime example of forward-thinking construction initiatives. With ambitious projects like NEOM, the country is focused on building smart, sustainable cities for the future.

Through Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is shifting beyond oil dependency, making substantial investments in construction and development. This commitment positions the country as a major player in the global construction industry. 

By examining examples like these, we can identify successful strategies and consider how to apply similar approaches closer to home.

Whether it’s through encouraging innovation, offering training incentives, or opening doors to global talent, there are many ways policy can build a stronger, more resilient construction industry.

Conclusion

It’s clear there isn’t a single solution, but rather a range of strategies we can implement together to address the challenge of construction worker shortage.

So, what’s next? Now is the time to put these ideas into action. By combining innovative technology with effective policies, we can build a strong workforce prepared to take on the construction projects of the future.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work on building a better, more sustainable future for the construction industry.

BIO

Sam Everett is the Founder of Evolved Agents–a real estate mastermind that helps agents sell more homes using online ads and a virtual assistant. He provides free training through his YouTube channel, TikTok, and Facebook Page.