BRIDGING THE GAP
How digital construction can help solve the UK’s skills shortage
The UK construction sector faces a difficult future as it tries to deal with significant skills shortages that threaten to impede growth and sustainability. However, it is also simultaneously undergoing a digital transformation, presenting a unique opportunity to attract younger talent, writes Ryan Donoghue of AJ Digital, one of the country’s leading suppliers of digital services to the construction industry
R
ecent data reveals that there are over 35,000 job vacancies in the UK construction industry, with more than half remaining unfilled due to a lack of required skills - the highest rate among
all sectors within the UK. Several factors contribute to the skills shortages. Firstly there is a significant number of the construction workers nearing retirement, leading to a loss of experienced professionals. The industry struggles to attract new talent, with apprenticeship starts averaging 31,000 per year over the last five years, accompanied by a dropout rate exceeding 40%. Add on challenges such as Brexit and COVID-19, which exacerbated the shortage by reducing the availability of foreign labour – and we have a crisis. Projections indicate that an additional 251,500 construction workers will be needed by 2028 to realise the UK’s ambitions of building 1.5 million homes and retrofitting existing ones to meet tight decarbonisation goals – so how will digital construction help?
The role of digital construction
Digital construction encompasses the use of digital tools and technologies to enhance the planning, design, construction and management of building projects and offers several benefits that can help mitigate the skills shortages. Technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), drones and robotics streamline processes, reducing the reliance on manual
labour and allowing for more efficient project completion. As a result, the integration of advanced technologies makes the industry more appealing to younger generations who are tech- savvy and seek innovative career paths. In addition, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are emerging as rapidly growing niches within Digital Construction, offering innovative ways to enhance project delivery and workforce development. These technologies provide immersive training experiences, allowing new entrants to acquire practical skills in a controlled, risk-free environment. So, we can see that digital innovation plays a crucial role in addressing skills shortages, making the construction industry more attractive to young people. It means we now have opportunities to showcase the use of cutting-edge technologies like AI, drones and VR in construction that can alter the perception of the industry from being labour- intensive to tech driven.
Collaborating with educational institutions to integrate construction technology into curricula can also spark interest among students. Developing apprenticeships that focus on digital construction skills can also provide hands-on experience and a clear career pathway for young people. In addition, emphasising the role of construction in creating sustainable and smart cities can attract an environmentally engaged younger generation interested in making a positive impact.
Government initiatives and industry responses
The UK government has pledged £600 million to tackle the issue. This investment aims to support the construction of 1.5 million homes by 2029 and stimulate economic growth. Most importantly, the funding allocation also includes £165 million for construction courses to be offered in colleges, £100 million for upskilling workers and £32 million from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Collectively, this will fund over 40,000 industry placements annually. These efforts are also expected to train up to 60,000 skilled workers, including bricklayers and engineers, by 2029. Additionally, organisations like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) are working to diversify membership and improve pathways into the profession, especially for those who cannot afford traditional university routes. However, some industry professionals are still hesitant to adopt new technologies, necessitating comprehensive training and a change in management strategies. Implementing digital tools also requires upfront investment, which can be a barrier. We also need to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary digital skills to utilise new technologies effectively.
So, we can see digital construction does offer a viable pathway to attract younger talent, enhance efficiency and ensure the sector’s sustainability. Just imagine what the future holds as construction advances even further into the digital age.
Join us and help bridge the skills gap
Master skills for the future
Engineer your career in HVAC Development • Innovation • Learning • Knowledge • Growth Excellence • Skills • Improvement • Competencies • Perormance
Chillers Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk Carrier hp BSEE
Oct25.indd 1
AHUs & RTUs
Heat Pumps
Service Solutions 22/9/25 09:25 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER OCTOBER 2025 25
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50
