The construction industry has been making waves over the last few years, and it seems we’re finally starting to see a positive change in perceptions of working in construction from ones that historically have been fairly negative.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) released a survey earlier on in the year which shows new insights into how positively young people and parents view careers in the industry.
Interest in construction continues to rise year on year amongst young people, with a 4% increase over the last 2 years. This is expected to rise even further, thanks to hugely shifting perceptions amongst parents.
Young People Key Survey Findings:
- Almost half of young people surveyed selected working on building site in their top three options for describing construction careers. It was the most chosen option.
- 36% say construction is not a respected career path.
- 35% say the industry has a poor workplace culture.
- 53% say the industry is not welcoming to women.
- 28% feel careers in construction are not accessible to young people.
- 25% say they think their parents would be embarrassed if they pursue a career in construction. Only 8% of parents said this would be the case.
- 47% say construction was not covered in careers advice they received while in education.
Parents Key Survey Findings:
- Women are more likely to have a high level of discussion about careers with their children than men (41% v 35%).
- 65% hold positive view of construction careers (71% men v 62% female).
- 64% of parents said they’d encourage their children to take a built environment GCSE were one to be available.
- 79% would be supportive of their child working in construction with only six per cent saying they’d be unsupportive.
- 43% said they’d prefer their child to “earn while they learn” instead of going to university.
The figures indicate there is still alot of work to be done, particularly when it comes to challenging perceptions in construction.The survey highlights how roles spanning data and technology, project management and health and safety all appeal to young people. Construction offers roles in all three areas, but more work is needed to sell these and flatten myths that all jobs are trade based or working on building sites. It’s also clear many young people are heavily influenced by social media so it’s important for the industry, including employers, to keep pace with that.
While the tide is definitely turning, there is a long way to go, and it is up to both the government and employers to help make the sector more attractive to young people.
