CITB Report Urges Coordinated Action as Sector Gears Up for Growth
The UK construction industry is preparing for a significant expansion, but success hinges on a major recruitment drive. According to the latest Construction Workforce Outlook 2025–29 from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the sector must recruit nearly 48,000 additional workers annually over the next five years to meet demand.
That’s a total of 239,300 new workers by 2029, a target that presents both a challenge and a major opportunity for the industry.
From Skills Gap to Strategic Growth
The new Workforce Outlook, which replaces the previous Construction Skills Network report, offers a broader view of workforce trends and sector needs. CITB forecasts the construction workforce will grow to around 2.75 million by 2029, driven by infrastructure investment, housing projects, and green initiatives.
This anticipated growth demands coordinated action to ensure a pipeline of skilled workers is in place.
"Training Must Be a National Priority," Says CITB
To meet future needs, the report calls for a long-term commitment from employers, government bodies, training providers, and CITB itself. Investment in training that helps people enter and progress in the industry is described as critical to achieving this workforce expansion.
CITB, which has produced annual workforce outlooks since 2006/2007, remains the only organisation delivering sector-wide projections combining both backward and forward-looking data.
Implications for Employers and Jobseekers
The report outlines the practical implications of the recruitment drive:
- Training capacity must increase to meet demand.
- Early engagement with young people and new entrants is essential.
- Upskilling and reskilling efforts should be ramped up.
For jobseekers, this presents a compelling case for considering a career in construction. For employers, it highlights the need to act now to build the workforce of the future.
Building the Future Starts with People
The construction sector is preparing to deliver critical projects across the UK — but success depends on securing the right people with the right skills. The message from CITB is clear: workforce planning is not optional, it's essential.
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