With advancements like machine learning and computer vision, the sector is experiencing improved efficiency in planning, safety, quality control, and overall productivity. However, while AI is transforming processes, its potential impact on addressing a critical workforce gap in construction remains uncertain.
The UK construction industry is grappling with a long-standing challenge: a shortage of skilled labour. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), an additional 250,000 workers will be required over the next four years to meet building output demands. This need coincides with an ageing workforce and a steady decline in young people entering construction roles, creating an urgent need for new solutions.
Workforce Challenges in Construction
The construction sector offers numerous benefits, including competitive pay, diverse daily tasks, and opportunities for career progression. Despite this, the industry continues to struggle with workforce shortages. As of early 2024, approximately 2.1 million people were employed in construction. However, the sector’s demand for additional workers remains unmet, leading to delays in project starts and contract awards across the country.
One of the key issues is an ageing workforce. Census data from 2021 revealed that 33% of construction workers were aged 35–45, and 31% were between 50–64 years old, while only 9% were aged 16–24. This decline in young entrants to the industry highlights the pressing need to attract fresh talent.
Low Uptake of Apprenticeships
Attracting young people to the sector has been a priority for industry bodies for years. While initiatives aim to appeal to recent graduates, early-career professionals, and career changers, apprenticeships—a primary entry point into construction—remain underutilised.
In 2024, fewer than 5,000 young people began Level 4 or higher apprenticeships, according to UCAS. In contrast, over 500,000 students enrolled in full-time undergraduate programmes. With apprenticeships often left to individual employers to manage, sectors like construction, which rely heavily on apprentices to maintain their workforce, are particularly affected.
Overcoming Negative Perceptions
A significant barrier to attracting young talent lies in the perception of construction careers. Reports from the CITB indicate that outdated views of the industry as labour-intensive, male-dominated, and lacking innovation deter many young people from pursuing opportunities.
However, the integration of AI presents an opportunity to reshape these perceptions. A recent Currys report found that 63% of students believe AI improves their career prospects, and over 30% said AI influenced their field of study. Leveraging AI could position construction as a tech-forward industry, appealing to a new generation of workers.
AI’s Role in Evolving Construction Jobs
The adoption of AI in construction will not only change perceptions but also redefine job roles. The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs Report predicts that 23% of current jobs will change significantly by 2027, with 44% of workers needing to adapt their core skills.
In construction, roles are expected to evolve from manual labour to supervisory positions. Workers will shift towards overseeing AI-driven processes, requiring a higher level of digital proficiency. This technological transformation could create a workforce capable of managing advanced systems while maintaining traditional expertise.
