Andrew Brooks, managing director of Bewley Homes, looks at the construction skills shortage that may stand in the way of the government’s ambitious housing target and the role that housebuilders can play in attracting more people to the industry.
The UK housebuilding sector stands at a crossroads. While the government’s target of delivering 1.5 million new homes during its first term is commendable, the reality on the ground is starkly different. According to Andrew Brooks, the challenge is not just about planning permissions—but about whether the sector has the manpower to turn blueprints into bricks and mortar.
Andrew warns: “Even if every planning consent required to meet the ambitious target of 1.5 million homes was granted today, we still wouldn’t have the skilled or unskilled labour force to deliver on those targets.”
This shortage is not a new problem—but it is a growing one. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates that the industry will need an additional 251,500 workers by 2028 to meet forecasted demand. Compounding this, the workforce is ageing rapidly: the average age of a UK bricklayer is now 52, with a significant proportion expected to retire in the next 10–15 years.
A wake-up call: Time to rebrand construction careers
Construction is often overlooked by young people, despite the breadth of roles, job security, and career progression it offers. “We need to change the narrative,” says Andrew. “There’s a misconception that construction is just muddy boots and manual labour. In reality, it’s a vibrant industry offering long-term, well-paid, and varied careers.”
As the demand for housing continues to rise, opportunities in the sector are booming. From bricklaying, plastering, and carpentry to plumbing, surveying, and site management, construction covers a wide range of trades and professions. CITB reports that roles such as plasterers and dryliners will need to increase by 20% over the next five years, while the demand for carpenters will rise by over 10%.
Financially, construction is becoming more competitive too. The ongoing skills shortage is driving up wages. According to data from Hudson Contract, self-employed bricklayers can earn over £900 a week, and electricians and plumbers regularly earn in excess of £1,000 a week, depending on location and experience.
Pathways to progress and entrepreneurship
One of the industry’s key strengths lies in its clear progression routes. Many professionals start as apprentices and move quickly into supervisory or managerial roles. According to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), one in four construction SMEs is run by someone who started as an apprentice.
At Bewley Homes, this progression isn’t just theoretical—it’s real. “We’ve worked with subcontractors who began on-site on the tools and now run their own companies employing dozens of others,” says Andrew. “That entrepreneurial pathway makes construction incredibly attractive for anyone with ambition and drive.”
A more holistic approach
Fixing the labour shortage won’t happen overnight. It demands collaboration across the public and private sectors as well as a cultural shift in how construction is perceived. That’s why Bewley Homes is investing in early engagement—partnering with local schools and colleges to showcase careers in construction and support vocational training.
“Construction should be seen as a first-choice career, not a fallback,” Andrew adds. “We need to be talking to young people—and their parents—about the real, tangible benefits this industry offers.”
Bewley Homes is also a strong advocate for expanding apprenticeship schemes and is calling on government and industry bodies to simplify access to training, promote diversity in the workforce, and support ongoing professional development. As part of this, they’re exploring opportunities for digital and sustainability-focused skills, ensuring the industry adapts to future building standards and technologies.
Building more than homes
As the UK navigates an evolving housing landscape, the need for a skilled, motivated, and youthful workforce has never been more urgent. Without it, the vision of delivering 300,000 homes a year remains a distant goal.
“This is about more than just bricks and mortar,” concludes Andrew. “It’s about building futures. If we get this right, we won’t just help solve the housing crisis—we’ll create stable, rewarding, and long-term careers for thousands of young people.”
The housebuilding sector has the potential to be a powerhouse for economic growth and social mobility. But it starts with people—and the time to act is now.
