Working in the Construction Sector

Careers in construction offer a sector for life, with variety, stability, and progression. Providing rewarding work, competitive pay and clear pathways for everyone, from school leavers to career changers.

With opportunities to contribute to major projects and the UK’s Net Zero goals, construction combines practical skills with innovation, making it one of the most future-proof industries.

Whether you’re interested in hands-on trades, technical roles, or management, construction offers a career where you can build, grow, and make a real impact.

• Rewarding, reliable careers in over 180 jobs across trade, site, technical, and professional roles
• 15% higher salaries than the UK average – the second highest paid sector after financial services
• The South West requires 42,400 additional workers by 2028 for infrastructure projects and to support the growth of the construction sector
• An additional 37,600 workers would be needed in the South West to meet the Government proposed housing targets
• Significant contribution to net zero carbon, with retrofit skills in high demand · opportunities for 5,000 skilled workers to deliver Torbay’s £300m regeneration programme

Marketing Intelligence

Retrofit Skills Roadmap – South West Net Zero Hub (March 2025)

The South West needs thousands of skilled workers to deliver home energy upgrades and meet Net Zero goals.

In brief:

• Skills gap: Retrofit specialists are urgently needed.
• Targets: 10,000+ insulation installers and 17,500+ heat pump engineers.
• Action: Expand training offer, build regional skills alliance, promote careers. 

Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) - South West Construction Skills Forecast (2024-2028)

The latest CITB Construction Skills Network report highlights the skills and workforce needed to meet construction demand in the South West.

Key Points:

• Growth forecast: Construction output in the South West will grow by 1.9% annually to 2028.
• Recruitment need: 42,400 additional workers required by 2028 – higher than the UK average.
• Top roles in demand:
  • Carpenters and joiners
  • Professional and technical staff (construction and office-based).
• Major projects are driving demand.

Home Building Sector Skills Plan

The Home Building Sector Skills Plan (HBF) outlines national skills challenges and initiatives that directly affect regions like the South West, where housing delivery is a priority.

National workforce need:

• 239,000 new recruits required in the next five years to meet housing targets (1.5 million homes)
• Current workforce must upskill for energy efficiency, low-carbon technologies

South West context

While the plan is national, the South West faces similar challenges:

• High housing targets under the new National Planning Policy Framework.
• Skills shortages in trades (bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing) and green building roles.