The Skilled Labour Shortage in Construction: Causes, Impact, and Solutions

In today’s construction industry, skilled labour shortages are one of the most urgent challenges facing businesses across the UK and beyond. Without a reliable, trained workforce, projects are delayed, costs rise, and the quality of construction work suffers.

At The Builders Academy, we work with learners and employers to bridge this skills gap — offering accessible training routes from entry-level qualifications like the CSCS Green Card to specialist pathways such as Site Supervision (CITB SSSTS) and Site Management (CITB SMSTS).

In this article, we explore the reasons behind the current shortage, its impact on the construction sector, and practical solutions that can help tackle the issue.

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Why Is There a Skilled Labour Shortage in Construction?

The shortage is caused by a combination of long-term structural changes and more recent economic shifts.

1. Decline in Construction Training and Apprenticeships

• Fewer young people are entering construction-related apprenticeships compared to 20 years ago.
  According to the UK Parliament Post (2022), apprenticeship starts in construction fell by 13% between 2016 and 2021 (source).

• Many employers reduced investment in training during the 2008 financial crisis and have struggled to rebuild structured programmes since.

2. Economic Factors and Past Recessions

• The 2008 Global Financial Crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted construction.

• During these downturns, thousands of skilled workers left the industry for more stable sectors like logistics and manufacturing (CITB Construction Skills Network, 2023).

• Even as demand returns, many workers have not come back.

3. Technological Change

• The construction sector is rapidly adopting new technologies like modular building, digital design (BIM), and automation.

• There is a growing demand for digitally literate workers, but upskilling older workers has lagged behind.

4. Post-Brexit Immigration Rules

• Freedom of movement ended in 2021, restricting the supply of European skilled workers to the UK construction industry.

• According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the construction workforce lost over 8% of its EU-born workers between 2019 and 2021 (ONS Labour Market Overview).

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The Impact of the Labour Shortage on Construction

Delays in Project Delivery

• Housebuilding targets have been consistently missed.
  For example, the UK government’s goal of building 300,000 homes a year has not been met in any of the past five years (source).

Increased Costs

• Labour shortages push up wages as firms compete for a smaller pool of skilled workers.

• According to RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) UK Construction Monitor Q4 2023, 90% of respondents cited skilled labour shortages as their biggest concern impacting project costs (source).

Pressure on Quality and Safety

• A less experienced workforce increases the risks of mistakes, accidents, and non-compliance with Health & Safety standards.

• Site supervisors and managers with appropriate qualifications like SSSTS and SMSTS are in higher demand than ever.

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How to Bridge the Skills Gap: Solutions and Opportunities

1. Expanding Training and Certification

Construction firms and individuals must prioritise formal qualifications:

• CSCS Green Card for entry-level site workers

• Bricklaying Basics and specialist trade courses

• Site Supervisor (SSSTS) and Site Manager (SMSTS) training for leadership progression

Explore Training Packages Here

2. Promoting Construction Careers to Young People

• More schools and colleges are collaborating with industry to introduce construction as a rewarding, modern career path.

• Programmes like the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Go Construct platform aim to showcase career options (source).

3. Embracing Technology and Upskilling Workers

• Digital construction skills (BIM modelling, drone surveying, AI planning tools) are becoming essential.

• CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses, including Working at Height, Fire Marshal Training, and Traffic Marshal Certification, help workers stay competitive.

4. Supporting Apprenticeships and New Entrants

• Construction firms are increasingly offering sponsored apprenticeship programmes.

• Government schemes such as the Apprenticeship Levy offer funding for companies investing in training (source).

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The Builders Academy: Your Training Partner

We offer a full range of online and classroom-based qualifications to help individuals and companies bridge the skills gap:

• CSCS Green Card Packages

• Level 1 Health & Safety in Construction (100% online)

• CITB SSSTS and SMSTS Courses

• Bricklaying Basics

• Electrical Labourer Courses

• Traffic Marshal CPD Certification

• Fire Marshal Training

Whether you are starting your career or progressing into management, we provide the accredited training needed to succeed in today’s competitive construction environment.

View All Construction Courses Here

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Final Thoughts

The skilled labour shortage in construction is a serious issue — but it is also a major opportunity for motivated individuals. By gaining formal qualifications and staying up to date with the latest industry standards, workers can secure better pay, faster career progression, and long-term job security.

Companies must act now by investing in training and supporting the next generation of construction professionals.

Build your career with The Builders Academy.
Train, qualify, and lead the future of construction.

For more information or tailored advice:

• Call: 0203 345 6575

• Email: [email protected]

• Visit: www.thebuildersacademy.co.uk