Investment needed to cut rate of young people not earning or learning – report

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) recently published research into attitudes to construction careers amongst 16-24 year-olds.

It showed two thirds of young people view construction careers positively but are unclear on how to access them.

David Barnes, head of policy and public affairs at CIOB, said: “It’s shocking 946,000 young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training, and meanwhile it is estimated the construction industry needs an extra 240,000 extra workers by 2029.

“We believe investment in a national campaign, similar to those for the Armed Forces and teaching, showcasing the exciting and rewarding careers available in construction would inspire some to join the industry, bringing down these terrible statistics and boosting the industry to deliver the much-needed new homes and infrastructure the government has committed to.”