To better understand the perception of the industry with young people and gain current insights, Construction Futures conducted market research with over 200 students aged 14-18 from both Grammar and Non-Grammar schools (45% Male/55% Female) in December 2023. 

The top three sources for careers guidance identified were work experience, social media, and input from parents and careers teachers. The words most associated with the construction industry included "Hard Work," "Design," "Men," "Long work hours," "Cold," "Engineer," "Practical," “Building. ”Additionally, factors such as money and job security were found to strongly influence the career decisions of young people.

Appealing aspects of the construction industry included:

• Variety of work

• Ease of finding employment due to the skills shortage within the industry

• Opportunity to make a positive impact on future generations and the environment

The workshops also flagged the less appealing aspects of the construction industry for young people, which included a lack of inclusivity (25%), the perceived danger on construction sites (22%), and the physically demanding nature of the work (20%).