New figures from the CSCS Alliance reveal a significant increase in construction career interest among young people, with an 8.8% rise in CSCS cards issued to workers under 25 from 2023 to 2025. This trend is crucial for an industry facing an aging workforce and increasing demand for skilled labor.
What Happened
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Alliance reported a notable uptick in the number of young entrants into the construction sector. Between 2023 and 2025, the issuance of CSCS cards to individuals under 25 increased from 86,798 to 94,444. This demographic now represents 19% of all CSCS-logoed cards. The surge is particularly pronounced in skilled roles, which saw a 9.6% increase compared to an 8.3% rise in laboring positions. Plant Operatives experienced the most significant growth at 24.7%, followed by Electrotechnical Occupations at 15.6% and Temporary Traffic Management at 13.2%. The utilities sector also saw its under-25 share rise from 13.9% to 15.5%. Notably, the Plumbing and HVAC sector has the highest proportion of young workers, with 22.9% of all cards in this trade issued to the under-25 age group.
CSCS Group Chief Executive Sean Kearns highlighted this trend as a positive sign for the industry, emphasizing the growing number of young people entering with skilled and advanced qualifications.
What This Means for Your Business
For AECM industry professionals, this data indicates a potential easing in the skilled labor shortage, offering opportunities to harness fresh talent in emerging sectors. Companies should consider aligning their recruitment strategies to appeal to younger workers, emphasizing career development and advanced training opportunities. Moreover, the growth in skilled occupations suggests a shift towards a more technically proficient workforce, which could improve project efficiency and innovation. Businesses might also explore partnerships with educational institutions to further cultivate this pipeline of young talent, potentially securing a competitive advantage in the market.
What US Operators Should Watch
US construction firms should monitor similar trends domestically, as shifts in workforce demographics could impact labor availability and project timelines. Staying informed about federal initiatives or funding opportunities that support workforce development could be beneficial. Additionally, operators should be aware of any new compliance requirements related to workforce qualifications to ensure adherence to industry standards.
Source: https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/07/21/skills-cards-stats-show-youngsters-turning-to-construction/. Read the original story ->
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