THE Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has published its Construction Workforce Outlook 2026-30 report, which forecasts that growth is expected to return to the industry over the medium-term, but that it continues to face pressures in recruiting and retaining the workforce it needs.
The short-term picture for construction is challenging, with uncertainty and cost pressures affecting activity.
The CITB added that meeting future demand will require sustained focus on recruitment, training and supporting people into jobs. This includes attracting new entrants and replacing workers leaving the industry, and will require collaboration across industry, stakeholders and government.
The Outlook provides a UK-wide view, alongside insights for nations and regions, helping industry and stakeholders understand where demand is likely to be strongest and how workforce needs may change over time.
It represents a significant component of CITB’s Industry Picture that explains the current and future circumstances of construction, the skills and people needs, and where targeted action can have the greatest impact. As set out in Industry Picture, too few people are entering the sector, too many experienced workers are leaving, and productivity improvements have not been sufficient to close the gap.
The Construction Workforce Outlook 2026-2030 and supporting materials, including a web-based interactive tool and downloadable reports, are available at: https://www.citb.co.uk/cwo
Tim Balcon, CITB CEO, said, “Our latest Construction Workforce Outlook highlights where construction skills demand is expected to grow, offering the evidence needed to guide workforce and skills planning in a period of significant opportunity and challenge. The construction industry is faced with balancing short-term business uncertainty while ensuring there are enough skilled workers to meet the expected demand for longer-term opportunities. Together, alongside government and industry stakeholders, we can ensure the construction industry is equipped to deliver for the UK’s future.”
Mark Farmer, member of the Construction Skills Mission Board and Construction Leadership Council, added, “There’s never been a more important time to be thinking about the strategic outlook for the industry and its workforce needs. This ultimately is a data driven exercise of balancing both current and future supply and demand.
“The latest Construction Workforce Outlook published by CITB indicates that despite industry currently grappling with challenging economic conditions, longer-term needs to replenish and sustainably grow the workforce remain. Bridging the gap between current capacity to employ and train and the imperative to build a future ready workforce remains the central challenge.”
