There’s a growing storm brewing in the UK’s construction and infrastructure sector. This is not about materials or funding. It’s about people. A recent report by Places for People, backed by City & Guilds and the University of Cambridge, warns that severe construction talent shortage in the UK is threatening the nation’s ability to deliver key infrastructure and housing projects. But why is that happening? There is not only one reason behind it. There are several other issues, too.
If we talk about starters, the construction workforce is ageing fast. A huge portion of the current workforce is over 50, and thousands are set to retire within the next few years. Which ultimately means that there are not enough young workers joining to replace them. Stats show that the sector faces over 140,000 unfilled vacancies, and if trends continue, the shortfall could rise to one million workers by 2032. Which is a huge number? No matter how ambitious the company goals are, if there are no skilled workers, you cannot bring those blueprints to life. Let’s study deeply where there is a gap and how we can fill it.
Where Is the Gap, and Why Does It Exist?
Let’s come to the main causes of this construction talent gap in the industry It’s not just one thing; it’s a mix of several issues that have quietly built up over time. Let’s break down the causes one by one.
Ageing Workforce
Number one and the biggest challenge is an ageing workforce. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), roughly one in five construction workers is now over 55. However, many are heading toward retirement within the next decade. That’s a lot of experience walking out the door.
Moreover, as compared to these older workers, fewer than 10% of workers are under 25. Which means the younger generation is not joining the industry quickly enough to replace those leaving. This results in a slow but steady erosion of expertise. And honestly, this is the kind that can’t be taught overnight. When skilled bricklayers, project managers, and electricians retire without replacements lined up, the entire delivery system slows down.
Training Doesn’t Match Industry Demand
Now, it’s not that the UK lacks training programs; in fact, there are plenty of apprenticeships out there. The main problem is that training doesn’t match what employers actually need. A lot of young trainees start construction apprenticeships full of enthusiasm, but drop out midway because of poor mentoring, outdated curricula, or lack of real on-site experience.
As per City & Guilds data, completion rates for construction apprenticeships have hovered below 60% in recent years. That’s like setting up a talent pipeline and then leaving half the taps closed. Even for those who finish, the transition from classroom to job site is way different and is not a cup of tea. The practical world is more about practical knowledge than theoretical formulas. Employers say candidates know how something should work, but not how to do it safely and efficiently on-site.
The Image Problem
And lastly, let’s talk about perception, which plays a great role in any industry. What people perceive and think matters a lot. In particular, if we talk about the construction industry, it still battles an outdated image problem.
There are many young people who picture it as hard, dirty, or low-paying work. What they don’t see is that modern construction is actually full of exciting opportunities, including digital designs, 3D modelling, sustainable materials, smart infrastructure, and green energy projects.
Construction today is more of a tech-driven, innovative field, unlike it was in past. But the problem lies in schools and career advisers, who often overlook it. This means that the entire generation is missing out on a stable, well-paying, and future-focused career path.
How Fortray Bridges the Gap
Fortray understand that today’s project delivery challenges are more about finding people who can hit the ground running, work safely, and stay committed to the project long-term. So, how do we make that happen? Here’s how we are bridging the gap between training and employment:
Offer Industry-Aligned Training Programs
We don’t just source candidates, we build them up. How? With the help of our industry-aligned training programs and hands-on practical bootcamps. These programs help candidates learn exactly what employers need. We go beyond classroom theory. Our main focus is on project experience, site-readiness, and behavioural skills. So, when an employer hires through Fortray, they are getting someone who is already trained to industry standards and ready to contribute from the very first day.
Skills-First Recruitment
Fortray believes in a skills-first recruitment model. We test, verify, and match candidates based on real-world competencies, not just what’s written on paper. From health and safety certifications to trade-specific assessments, every candidate goes through a structured evaluation to ensure they meet the practical standards employers expect on-site. This way, our clients know that every individual they hire is not only qualified but also capable of delivering quality work safely and efficiently.
Recommended Reading: The Role of MSPs in Solving IT Talent Shortages for UK Businesses
Flexible Workforce Models
Construction projects don’t always follow a straight path. They can expand, contract, and sometimes pivot midway. That’s why Fortray offers flexible workforce models that help employers scale their teams up or down without disrupting timelines or compromising on quality. This flexibility helps reduce overheads and keep projects running even when demand fluctuates.
Explore more: Contingent Workforce Solutions
Building the Long-Term Pipeline
We are not just solving today’s hiring challenges, we help employers future-proof their workforce. Through strong partnerships with technical colleges, training providers, and apprenticeship programs, we create a sustainable talent pipeline that continuously feeds skilled workers into the industry.
Check this out: Permanent Staffing Solutions
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
Fortray actively works to recruit from underrepresented communities, regional areas, and non-traditional backgrounds. This not only helps employers tap into hidden talent pools but also strengthens the DEI in the UK workforce. A broader mix of perspectives leads to better problem-solving and a construction industry that reflects the society it serves.
Conclusion
We are not just an ordinary recruitment agency. We offer a blend of training, verification, flexibility, and inclusivity to employers. We make sure every candidate who steps onto a site is ready to deliver safely and efficiently.
Get in touch with Fortray today and discover how we can help you build a reliable and skilled construction workforce that delivers from day one.
