Employment in construction fell throughout much of the 1990s, but has risen over the past few years, currently accounting for 7% of total employment and over 2 million people.  Sector information

Construction is projected to maintain fairly stable employment between 2000 and 2015.  Sector information

There are strong regional variations regarding employment trends and labour demand in construction.  Regional dimension

Across all regions recruiting skilled staff has been difficult recently and this is not likely to ease as employers expect their workloads to increase in the future.  Regional dimension

The greatest increase in cumulative requirement over the period 2004-2008 will be for: wood trades; managers; electricians; clerical; plumbers; and bricklayers.  Occupations

There is a need for the industry to recruit and retain 88,000 trained people each year for the next 5 years.  Equal Opportunities

Women (10%) and people from minority ethnic groups (2.8%) are massively under-represented in construction.  The construction workforce is ageing and recruitment of more young people is needed to meet future demands.  Equal opportunities

Careers guidance priorities for the construction workforce development are concentrated on maintaining the new intake in skills by working with schools and young people, plus up-skilling the workforce.  Education and training
 
Employers are satisfied with the skill level of their workforce, but 50% believe that new employees lack certain skills.  Education and training

For information on architects, surveyors and town planners see Professions allied to construction.

Sector information

This contains an overview of the sector as a whole, details future trends in employment together with skill gaps and workforce development issues.

Data and charts

Links to the charts contained within this sector are listed.

Regional and national dimension

Information on regional trends and difference, together with trends in the home nations including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Occupations

Information and trends on sectoral occupations.

Equal opportunities

Key information on equal opportunity issues specific to the sector.

Education and training

Education and training information and issues including work-based learning, apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, and further and higher education courses.

Research

A list of recent research publications which is intended to be a starting for those wishing for more detail on the sector.

Discussion points

Thought-provoking and challenging questions to start discussions.

Sector summary: construction

This summary gives a brief overview of the key trends in the sector.

Links and sources

This contains direct links to all the materials used to compile this sector. More in-depth and detailed information can be found in the source materials as only key points have been extracted. In addition, websites and further sources which may be of interest have been included.