Following the revelation that the average age of a construction worker is 49, the director of a home improvement firm has called for action to encourage young people to choose a career in construction.
The average UK construction worker is said to be 49 years old and male, and with a contraction in workers from the EU likely following the Brexit vote, there is an increasingly diminishing pool of workers for building firms to access.
Michele Wietscher, who is a founder and director at Newview Windows and Conservatories says that increasing diversity and promoting construction as an industry that is ‘exciting and worthwhile’ at secondary school level is the answer.
Michele commented: “The debate is finally happening about the next generation of construction workers but it’s now time for action. We’re facing a double crisis of an ageing population and a likely contraction of workers from the EU.
“Ironically, the labour shortage is also driving wages up, so construction jobs should be more desirable if only young people were encouraged to consider them.
“The long-term answer is to promote our industry as a viable option for young people and this means tackling it at school level and doing it now. Too many schools are judged on how many students enrol at college or university and this often means they don’t focus on sectors such as construction and create engagement between business and students.”
