The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has published its Construction Workforce Outlook 2026-30.
The annual report sets out expected construction demand over the next five years and the implications for the construction workforce.
The Outlook shows growth is expected to return to the industry over the medium-term, but that it continues to face ongoing pressures in recruiting and retaining the workforce it needs. The short-term picture for construction is challenging, with uncertainty and cost pressures affecting activity.
Meeting future demand will require sustained focus on recruitment, training and supporting people into construction jobs. This includes both attracting new entrants and replacing workers leaving the industry, and will require collaboration across industry, stakeholders and Government to meet the demands of the workforce.
The Outlook provides a UK-wide view, alongside insights for nations and regions, helping industry and stakeholders understand where demand is likely to be strongest and how workforce needs may change over time.
CITB has been producing the Construction Workforce Outlook since 2006/2007 to provide evidence and insights into the number of workers needed to meet forecasted demand. It is still the only report of this type for the construction industry and is compiled using a range of both backward- and forward-looking data. Having a view on changes in the construction workforce and the need for extra workers is a core part of helping CITB better understand future training needs.
The Construction Workforce Outlook represents a significant component of CITB’s Industry Picture that explains the current and future circumstances of construction, the skills and people needs and where targeted action can have the greatest impact. As set out in Industry Picture, too few people are entering the sector, too many experienced workers are leaving, and productivity improvements have not been sufficient to close the gap. This will increasingly put a strain on the industry’s capacity to deliver on housing, infrastructure and retrofit commitments.
However, recent funding developments, such as the regionally focused Wales Local Growth Fund and the new Welsh Government’s emerging initiatives such as the reinstatement of the Level 2 construction apprenticeship; commencement of a Wales-wide skills audit and an intention to bring training providers, employers and learners together at a Future Skills Summit this autumn demonstrates a willingness to support industry in meaningfully addressing these challenges.
The Construction Workforce Outlook 2026-2030 and supporting materials, including a web-based interactive tool and downloadable reports, are available on the website.
Julia Stevens, CITB Engagement Director Wales, said:
“The Construction Workforce Outlook (CWO) for Wales demonstrates the huge impact of the construction industry across a wide variety of projects and sectors but underlines that further opportunities and growth will be hampered by the significant shortages in skilled labour across a range of trades.
“Its publication comes at an important moment with the incoming Welsh Government already announcing positive strides towards addressing the skill system challenges. I look forward to engaging with government colleagues and political representatives to ensure these changes are based on the latest evidence and insight held within this year’s CWO.”
Cefin Campbell, Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, said:
“We will develop a Welsh skills system that is fit for the future and ensuring there is an adequate construction workforce is part of this. Work is already underway to boost construction skills and Level 2 apprenticeships in bricklaying, site carpentry, scaffolding and building maintenance will be introduced later this year. Additionally, construction work will be included in new VCSE qualifications which start in September 2027.
“I want to work with the sector and bring together employers, educators, training providers, and policymakers at the Future Skills Summit in the Autumn. Together we can shape plans to reform vocational skills training, so Wales has the skills it needs.”
