FEATURE Skills shortages


WORKING WITH DAD


Do young people know what they’re missing?


With the UK construction industry facing unprecedented labour shortages and an ageing workforce, encouraging young people into the sector has never been more important.


But a new survey suggests that young people today just aren’t receiving the kind of encouragement into construction that’s needed.


The survey, by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), found that only 47 per cent of UK adults would encourage their child to pursue a career as a builder, compared to 53 per cent who would not.


The FMB survey discovered different attitudes among different age groups. For example, younger generations – particularly those aged 16 to 21 – were the least supportive of a career in construction, with the


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For any young person who’s unsure about construction…it’s not what you perceive it to be. It’s a brilliant industry with loads of career opportunities and progression. It’s exciting times ahead


Malcolm Davies, Unite convenor, HPC


Malcom and Steven Davies 24 unite buildingWORKER Spring 2026


majority saying they would not recommend a building career to their children (or potential children).


Meanwhile, those aged 26 to 44 were the most positive. The FMB said this “suggests that once people experience working life – and the realities of debt, insecure jobs, and high costs – they recognise the value of a skilled trade”.


Whatever the reasons behind attitudes to future careers in construction, one thing is clear – far too many young people may not know what they’re missing.


With separate research showing parents have a big influence on their children’s career choices, adults encouraging younger generations into the building trades represents a huge opportunity for both the sector and for young people.


You don’t have to tell father-son duo Malcolm and Steven Davies twice about the benefits of a career in construction. Thanks in part to Malcolm’s encouragement, Steven has followed in his father’s footsteps working in construction.


Both work together at Hinkley Point C (HPC), and both are also Unite reps – Malcolm is the convenor at HPC, while Steven is senior shop steward for Kier Bam, an on-site joint venture.


Not only do Malcolm and Steven work together, they also live together. “Every day at work is different,” Steven said.


“We don’t always agree on everything, but that’s normal. We have our own ways of doing things, but we always work together to get something over the line.”


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