All previous studies of the past 30 years or more appear to have confirmed that UK construction workers are getting older. Ever since Tony Blair let everyone go to university, young people have shown no interest in the construction industry. That was the narrative. But now there is some news to challenge that axiom. 聽
Data from the 萝莉原创 Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) 鈥� the people that manage skills cards in UK construction 鈥撀爎eveal a growing proportion of young people entering the industry.
Cardholder data shows that 25.2% of CSCS cards in 2025 were held by individuals under the age of 30. This is up from just 17% in 2021 鈥� an eight-point increase in the share of 20-29-year-olds holding CSCS cards in just four years.
While not everyone who works in the construction industry has a CSCS card 鈥� not by a long way 鈥� the data certainly challenges the prevailing narrative that the number of young people are choosing careers in construction is in decline.
CSCS chief executive Sean Kearns said: 鈥淥ur digital tools provide unique insight into who is actually working on site and who is entering the industry, based on verified registration data. It is incredibly positive to see that young people are choosing construction as a career. Now the focus must be on sustained upskilling and retaining this talent across the industry, ensuring we develop a workforce that is adaptable, futureproof and ready to support long-term growth.鈥�