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24 Winter 2022 N ew research from construction data platform NBS reveals that construction has now become a desirable career path for UK school leavers and young adults, with 56% now considering it an attractive profession with plenty of prospects. NBS quizzed 2,000 18–29-year-olds across the UK regarding construction as a potential vocation. e results will come as welcome news to a sector that saw job vacancies hit an all-time high (49,000) earlier this year. Importantly, the survey indicates a distinct cultural shift in attitudes amongst younger generations, in part, helped by the growing number of digital opportunities available and extensive media attention around the sector’s use of industry-leading tech, dispelling the myth that construction is a dead-end career. CEO of NBS Russell Haworth said: “It’s clear that perceptions around construction are changing. Young people now realise it’s not the dull, dangerous, and dirty job as mislabelled for years by educators and career advisors. It’s great to see such an up-tick in interest following some very lean years recruitment-wise. e challenge for the sector now is to jump on this opportunity. We must not miss it as has previously been the case.” ‘WOMAN’S WORK’ e poll included diversity-related questions and revealed some notable changes, with 57% of females now stating that they consider construction to be a generally ‘diverse’ industry. More than a fth of women are ‘very interested’ in construction as a career, showing scope for an in ux of female employees following A-level and university results day. However, a similar number are being actively dissuaded by peers and family to take a job in the industry so while personal attitudes are changing, sector misconceptions persist. Mirudhula Ponraj, 26, a Technical Trainee Assistant at Bellway Homes, said: “It’s interesting to hear that more women are interested in construction. Great strides are being made in terms of inclusion, but we knowmore work still needs to be done for the sector to represent 21st Century Britain. With schemes such as Women into Construction, I’moptimistic that we’ll see more change in the next 10 years. “ ere’s a misconception that construction is all about muddy boots and strong shoulders. Today’s industry is so much more. I studied Building Information Modelling (BIM) at uni. e fth of women mentioned in NBS’ study looking to enter the industry might be surprised to learn Survey reveals how attitudes are changing and common myths being dispelled. CONSTRUCTION NOW ATTRACTIVE TO MORE THAN 50% OF YOUNG ADULTS