# Young people still being left in the dark about construction careers

By Dr Victoria Hills — 2026-08-19

Ahead of GCSE results day on Thursday 20 August, Dr Victoria Hills, chief executive officer at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), said: “GCSE results day is a pivotal time when millions of young people start thinking about what to do next, but far too many are making those choices without ever being told about the fantastic prospects a career in construction can offer.

“Our research shows 45 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds did not receive information about careers in construction while in education. That is a huge missed opportunity – particularly when the industry urgently needs more people to build the homes, infrastructure and communities the country needs.

“Construction is also a much broader industry than many people realise. It isn’t simply about working on a building site. There are careers in technology and AI, project management, design, surveying, planning, sustainability, health and safety and more.

“The historic image of construction as a physically demanding, male-dominated industry is outdated. There is a place for people with a huge range of skills, interests and ambitions, and routes into the sector that don’t require a traditional academic path.

“The new Prime Minister’s ambition to give vocational education parity with more academic studies is very welcome, but parity means little if young people don’t even know the options exist. We need careers advice that gives young people and their parents a clear picture of the different routes available – and confidence that those routes can lead to rewarding, meaningful careers.”

Canonical: https://experts.pressassociation.com/expert/131/views/6929132883802cf1