Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries globally, and construction is no exception. Technologies such as machine learning and computer vision are enhancing planning, safety, quality control, and productivity in the sector.
However, as automation advances, certain challenges remain unresolved, notably the shortage of skilled human labour.
The construction industry in the UK faces a critical workforce gap. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), an additional 250,000 workers will be needed over the next four years to meet the country’s building demands. This issue is compounded by an ageing workforce and declining interest among younger individuals in construction careers.
With AI revolutionising various processes in the industry, there is growing interest in whether it could also modernise perceptions of construction careers, attracting younger workers to fill the gaps.
The Construction Workforce Challenge
Despite offering competitive pay, opportunities for progression, and varied tasks, the construction sector struggles to attract and retain workers. As of the first quarter of 2024, 2.1 million people were employed in construction. However, the ongoing shortage of skilled workers is causing delays in project starts and contract awards across the UK.
The workforce is ageing, with the average construction worker aged around 50. Data from the 2021 census indicates that 33% of workers are aged 35–45, 31% are 50–64, and only 9% are aged 16–24. This highlights a significant decline in the number of young people entering the sector.
Low Uptake of Apprenticeships
Efforts to address the workforce gap include initiatives to attract younger workers, such as promoting apprenticeships. However, uptake remains low. In 2024, while over half a million students entered full-time undergraduate programmes, fewer than 5,000 began apprenticeships at Level 4 or above.
This disparity poses challenges for construction, a sector heavily reliant on apprenticeships to sustain its workforce. With job vacancies remaining high, there is a need to reshape how careers in construction are perceived, particularly among young people.
Perceptions of Construction Careers
A significant factor contributing to the workforce gap is the perception of construction careers as outdated, labour-intensive, and male-dominated. The CITB has prioritised changing these perceptions to make the sector more appealing to younger generations.
The introduction of AI into the workforce presents an opportunity to transform how the construction industry is viewed. Recent research from Currys shows that over 30% of students say AI has influenced their field of study, and 63% believe it improves their career prospects. By integrating advanced technologies, construction could attract tech-forward individuals and position itself as a dynamic career choice.
AI and Evolving Job Roles
AI is not only reshaping the construction industry’s image but also the roles within it. According to the 2023 World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, 23% of current jobs will undergo significant changes, and 44% of workers’ core skills will shift by 2027.
Construction roles are expected to evolve from hands-on labour to supervisory positions. Workers will oversee AI-driven processes, validating work instead of performing traditional manual tasks. This shift will require workers to develop digital skills, aligning the industry with future workforce trends.
A Future-Oriented Industry
As AI becomes more integral to construction, the industry’s appeal to younger demographics is likely to increase. Advanced technologies and dynamic roles could attract individuals interested in innovation and digital transformation, challenging outdated narratives about construction careers.
By embracing these changes, the sector has the potential to modernise its workforce and adapt to the evolving demands of society. This transformation could not only address labour shortages but also position construction as a forward-thinking and attractive career path for future generations.
