High-Tech Hard Hats: Gen Z's Role in the Modern Construction Boom
In a surprising shift, Gen Z is outpacing Millennials in joining the construction industry. Currently, the median age of construction workers is 42, slightly older than the national average. However, younger workers, particularly from Gen Z, are increasingly entering this field.
Why Gen Z is Choosing Construction
Several factors contribute to this trend. Modern construction technologies, such as AI and robotics, make the industry more appealing to tech-savvy Gen Z individuals. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, the integration of these technologies is revolutionising the industry, offering innovative and exciting career paths that were not available to previous generations.
Competitive wages and job security also play a significant role. The Office for National Statistics reports that the median annual wage for construction workers is higher than the national median, providing a stable and lucrative career option without the necessity of a university degree.
The high cost of university education is deterring many from pursuing traditional academic routes. A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies highlights that student loan debt has reached record levels, making trade careers, which often require less formal education and training, a more attractive alternative.
The Impact of Modern Construction Technologies
Gen Z's interest in construction is further fuelled by the industry's embrace of modern technologies. AI and robotics are not only making construction processes more efficient but also creating new types of jobs that require advanced technical skills. A report by Deloitte indicates that these technologies are expected to create numerous high-skill jobs in the coming years, drawing in younger workers who are comfortable with digital tools and platforms.
AI and Robotics in General Construction
The UK government has heavily invested in AI and robotics to transform the construction industry. Projects like those funded by the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund are implementing AI to predict and plan construction projects, significantly reducing delays and costs. For example, collaborations between companies like nPlan and Kier are using AI to optimise project schedules, while robots are being employed for repetitive tasks like bricklaying and concrete pouring (GOV.UK).
DAISY, developed by Brainpool.ai in collaboration with Staircraft Group, is an AI-powered design software specifically for timber framing. This software automates the design of floor layouts, reducing material wastage and speeding up construction times. As a result, DAISY now designs 12% of timber floors in the UK residential market. The integration of AI in this context eliminates the need for manual design processes, optimising layouts for cost efficiency and installation simplicity. This not only increases productivity but also creates demand for new job roles such as AI specialists and data scientists who can develop and manage these advanced systems (UK Construction Online).
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Career Growth and Stability
The potential for career growth within the construction industry is another significant draw. Many construction firms are offering clear pathways for advancement, from entry-level positions to management roles. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the industry is investing heavily in training and development programmes to retain talent and address the growing demand for skilled labour.
The CITB has launched several initiatives aimed at upskilling workers and providing clear career progression routes. For example, the Construction Skills Fund, supported by the CITB, has been instrumental in creating training hubs across the UK. These hubs focus on delivering hands-on training and qualifications in key areas of construction, helping workers advance from basic skills to more specialised roles. The fund aims to fill the skills gap in the industry by training over 17,000 new entrants by 2024 (CITB Annual Report).
Additionally, the Go Construct initiative, also backed by the CITB, provides comprehensive career information, including pathways for advancement in various construction trades. This initiative helps individuals understand the potential career trajectories in construction, from apprenticeships to leadership roles. The programme offers resources for continuous professional development, ensuring that workers can keep pace with industry advancements.
Construction firms themselves are also investing in talent development. For instance, Balfour Beatty, one of the largest construction companies in the UK, runs the Balfour Beatty Academy, which offers a range of training programmes designed to develop technical skills and leadership capabilities. This includes apprenticeships, graduate programmes, and leadership training, providing employees with a structured path for career advancement (Balfour Beatty Academy).
A Return to Industrial Revolution Principles
This shift might signal a broader economic trend reminiscent of the Industrial Revolution, where there was substantial investment in hardware and skilled trades. The construction industry's resurgence could indicate a renewed focus on vocational training and skilled labour, essential for sustaining economic growth and innovation.
The influx of Gen Z into the construction industry is reshaping the workforce, driven by technological innovation, competitive wages, job security, and the prohibitive cost of higher education. As this trend continues, it promises to redefine the construction industry and contribute to a more robust and diversified labour market.
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Middle Eastern Business and Culture Specialist | Senior Strategic Adviser | Board Member | Keynote Speaker
6moThat’s interesting! I never even knew.
I design high-performance cultures for CEO's and Founders of 50-1000 people companies that want to grow fast.
6moRealy interested to read this. What are the early observations/insights about how this is impacting the industry culturally?