More than 200,000 extra workers needed by 2030 to meet demand, CITB says

An average of more than 41,000 workers will be needed each year between 2026 and 2030 to meet forecast demand, the CITB has said.

The training board has published its latest annual construction workforce outlook report with the group saying that 41,200 workers on average will be needed every year which will amount to 206,000 extra workers over the five year period.

It said demand will vary by region, type of work and occupation, depending on project activity and the age profile of the workforce.

The report said the major sectors for growth over the next five years were infrastructure, public new housing and private new housing.

Output is predicted to fall by 0.2% this year but will head back up next year with growth of 1.8% and 2.8% in 2028. More growth is expected in 2029 and 2030.

Construction Leadership Council co-chair Mark Reynolds said: “The CITB Construction Workforce Outlook provides the industry with a vital insight into the workforce required to meet the capacity for the most critical trades and professions, across the country over the next five years.

“It demonstrates that there remains significant demand for new people to join our industry and will hopefully give employers more confidence to employ and train new entrants for the sector to continue to grow meet its capability and capacity demands.”