Bridging the Construction Skills Gap: Apprenticeships & Upskilling

The UK construction industry is facing one of its biggest challenges in decades: a widening skills gap. Too many roles are going unfilled, while not enough new workers are being trained to replace those leaving the industry. Apprenticeships and upskilling are proving to be two of the most effective solutions, offering practical routes into the industry and helping experienced workers adapt to modern demands.

The Scale of the Problem

According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the UK will need to recruit an additional 250,000 construction workers by 2028 to meet national housing and infrastructure targets. Yet apprenticeship numbers are falling and an ageing workforce means thousands of skilled tradespeople are approaching retirement.

This imbalance is creating a serious shortage of qualified bricklayers, carpenters, electricians and site managers, slowing down projects, driving up costs and putting pressure on delivery timelines.

Why Apprenticeships Matter

Apprenticeships offer a powerful way to attract new talent. They combine classroom learning with real-world site experience, allowing people to earn while they learn. For employers, they build loyalty and ensure new recruits are trained to the right standard.

Schemes like those run by the NHBC Training Hub have shown that well-structured apprenticeships can fast-track new entrants into the industry. Apprentices receive hands-on experience early, improving confidence, productivity and retention rates once they qualify.

The Power of Upskilling

While apprenticeships bring in new talent, upskilling helps retain and strengthen the current workforce. Many experienced workers need training in new technologies, such as digital design tools, modern methods of construction and sustainable building practices.

The CITB’s Homebuilding Sector Skills Plan has been particularly effective in this area, funding short courses that help tradespeople adapt to evolving building standards. By offering accessible, job-relevant training, it helps ensure the existing workforce stays competitive and capable.

Changing Perceptions of Construction

One of the biggest barriers to closing the skills gap is perception. Too often, construction is still viewed as a ‘last resort’ career rather than a skilled, rewarding profession. In reality, the industry offers excellent pay, long-term stability and opportunities for career progression.

Highlighting successful apprentices, modern workplaces, and the technological side of construction can help change these outdated views. Campaigns led by groups like Build UK and Go Construct are already improving awareness, but more collaboration between schools, employers and government is needed.

What Needs to Happen Next

To truly bridge the construction skills gap, three things must happen:

•  Apprenticeship numbers need to rise dramatically, with better support for small and medium-sized employers to take on trainees.
• Continuous upskilling must become the norm, not the exception, so that workers can adapt as technology and sustainability standards evolve.
• The industry must continue to inspire young people by showing that construction is a career of innovation, creativity and purpose.

Final Thought

Bridging the construction skills gap won’t happen overnight, but apprenticeships and upskilling are clear and proven ways forward. By investing in people, both new entrants and experienced professionals the UK can build a stronger, more resilient workforce ready to meet the challenges of the future.