CITB Warns of Construction Skills Shortage — How Agencies Can Help Businesses Cope

Author: Richard Bourne

The UK construction industry is facing a mounting challenge: a shortage of skilled workers that risks slowing projects, increasing costs, and putting government infrastructure and housing targets in jeopardy.

The latest Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Workforce Outlook (2025–2029) shows that the sector will need an additional ~47,860 workers per year — a total of around 239,300 people over the next five years — just to meet demand. Some earlier CITB forecasts put the figure higher, at 251,500 extra workers by 2028 (around 50,300 per year).

This is not just a case of “hard-to-fill” roles — it’s a sustained structural shortage.

Why the Shortage Exists

Multiple factors are converging to deepen the gap:

1. An ageing workforce
   Around 35% of UK construction workers are aged over 50, and by 2036, over 750,000 are expected to retire. Without enough younger recruits entering the sector, the workforce is shrinking.

2. Low apprenticeship completion rates
   While thousands start apprenticeships each year, fewer than 50% complete them, leaving under 9,000 fully trained apprentices annually — far short of the number needed.

3. Brexit and reduced EU labour
   In London, EU nationals once made up 42% of the construction workforce; by 2021, that had fallen to just 8%. Across the UK, the loss of EU labour has removed tens of thousands of skilled workers from the sector.

4. Lack of diversity and sector appeal
   Only 15% of the workforce are women and 6% are from ethnic minorities. The industry continues to struggle with attracting new entrants from a broader talent base.

5. Skills mismatch
   In many cases, training provision doesn’t align with the skills most in demand, creating regional shortages in critical trades like bricklaying, electrical work, and project management.

How Recruitment Agencies Help Bridge the Gap

While training providers, colleges, and government programmes work on long-term solutions, recruitment agencies play a vital role in keeping projects moving in the short and medium term.

Some of the key benefits agencies provide include:

Speed of supply – Agencies maintain large databases of pre-vetted candidates, allowing them to quickly deploy skilled tradespeople and site staff to meet urgent project needs.

Flexibility – Construction demand often fluctuates with project stages, weather, and market conditions. Agencies allow employers to scale labour up or down without long-term commitments.

Access to hidden talent – Many skilled workers prefer agency work for the variety and flexibility. Agencies can connect employers to candidates who may not be actively applying for direct-hire roles.

Reduced admin and compliance burden – Agencies handle right-to-work checks, qualifications verification, payroll, and health & safety documentation, freeing up contractors and project managers to focus on delivery.

Specialist knowledge – Sector-specific agencies understand construction site requirements, certifications, and safety protocols, ensuring the right person is sent to the right role.

Looking Ahead

The skills shortage is not going away overnight. It will take a coordinated effort across industry, education, and government to address the root causes. In the meantime, recruitment agencies remain an essential partner for construction businesses, helping them maintain workforce levels, meet deadlines, and adapt to an unpredictable labour market.