CONSTRUCTION employers across the country are being encouraged to register their events for Open Doors 2025 to provide a ‘shop window’ for future talent to enter the industry.
Open Doors returns in March 2025 and is being delivered by the Build UK in partnership with CITB and CSCS, supported by media, community and industry partners, who are encouraging construction employers to register their events to take part.
The initiative offers a unique opportunity for the public to go behind the scenes of live construction sites, offices, factories, and training centres across the UK – both in person and virtually.
Employers that register their events should consider what interactive experiences and learning opportunities will be most attractive for young people. This could be providing practical demonstrations or having employees explain the differences in their roles and responsibilities, CITB explained.
The event presents a great opportunity for SMEs in the construction sector to attract new apprentices. Over two-thirds of apprenticeship starts in the construction industry are employed by companies of fewer than 50 employees, demonstrating how important a strong pipeline of apprenticeships are for smaller construction employers.
Deb Madden, executive director nations engagement at CITB, said, “Open Doors provides a wonderful forum for construction employers to engage with the workforce of tomorrow, and for young people to understand the joys and diversity of a career in construction. The industry needs to recruit 50,000 new entrants a year and Open Doors provides a unique opportunity for young people and those looking for a change of career to go behind the scenes and see just what the industry has to offer.
“It’s also a great opportunity for SMEs to get involved and showcase their sites. A healthy construction industry requires thriving SME employers as they’re crucial to establishing a strong pipeline of apprentices and new entrants.
“I urge construction employers to take up the chance to register their sites for Open Doors 2025, it’s going to be a very worthwhile event.”
CITB will be welcoming attendees to its National Construction College (NCC) sites at Bircham Newton and Inchinnan as part of the Open Doors programme. Build UK members can register their events free of charge, and there is an early‐bird discount available to non‐members until 30 November.
Key dates for Open Doors are as follows:
- 7 October 2024 – Event registration opened for employers
- 13 January 2025 – Visitor bookings open
- 17 – 22 March 2025 – Open Doors week
Employers can find information or register their site for Open Doors here.
