The CIOB have released research calling for more construction careers advice to bring more young people into the construction industry.
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New data shows that almost half of young people who have received career advice never heard anything about the construction sector
A new report by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), titled Attitudes Towards Construction Careers, has led to calls for more construction careers advice.
The report shows that, in spite of opinions on construction careers becoming more positive, many of the young people surveyed still show negative attitudes towards the industry.
Young people and their parents were surveyed
Of the young people (aged 16-24) surveyed, it was found that 68% have a positive view of careers within the construction sector, but just 31% were likely to consider pursuing a career in construction. For parents of young people, 65% said they have a positive view on construction careers, while 79% said they would be supportive of their child pursuing a construction career.
Furthermore, 47% stated that construction careers weren’t covered in the careers advice they had received while in education. 42% of parents said they would be likely to recommend a career in construction to their children.
This may possibly be a cause for the 31% of young people and 18% of parents who believe the construction sector does not have good career opportunities, the 35% of young people and 25% of parents who believe the sector has a poor workplace culture, and the 36% of young people and 21% of parents who believe construction is not a well-respected career path.
Furthermore, 53% of young people believe that the sector is not a welcoming one for women, and 24% of young people and 11% of parents believe it is an unprofessional sector to work in.
Still, 53% said that they would have been interested in taking a GCSE subject in the built environment, and 64% of parents said they would have encouraged their child to take a GCSE subject in the built environment.
“There is a clear opportunity to increase awareness of the various career opportunities within the construction sector”
The report’s summary states: “This survey reveals a largely positive attitude towards construction careers amongst both young people and parents, with a significant number of the former likely to consider pursuing a career in the sector. Parents showed particularly strong support for their children potentially pursuing construction careers, with the majority of parents believing the construction sector offers good, accessible and professional career opportunities. This positive attitude is key as young people indicate that their parents and family have the strongest influence on their career decision-making.
“However, certain perceptions such as the belief that construction careers are physically demanding, are unsafe, and poorly compensated remain preventative barriers to young people joining the sector. Whilst these beliefs are valid in some cases, the construction sector offers a diverse range of roles, including with the majority offering pay above the national average.
“The need to better inform young people about construction careers is underscored by the finding that nearly half of the young people surveyed reported that they had not received careers advice related to the construction sector whilst they were education, pointing to a large gap in opportunity to inform young people of these potential career pathways.
“Overall, there is a clear opportunity to increase awareness of the various career opportunities within the construction sector amongst young people. Efforts to bring new workers to the sector should focus on addressing misconceptions about construction careers and promote the full range of roles available to help young people who are hesitant due to concerns around the gender diversity or physical labour in the sector, to see the sector as a viable and attractive career option.”
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