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Winter 2022 25 that roles can be incredibly diverse. e next generation now have the opportunity to work with technical programmes and computer systems.” ENGINEERING SUCCESS Dismissing stereotypes thatMillennials andGen Z aren’t interested in highly-skilled occupations, ‘Engineer’, particular structural and civils roles, ranked number twowhen it came to the list of most sought-after jobs. is was second only to ‘Healthcare Professional’ in popularity, ranking higher than ‘Legal Professional’ ‘Teacher’, ‘Designer’ or even ‘Social Media In uencer’. Drilling down, 8%were speci cally interested an architectural career, potentially indicating why somany young people appear interested inmaking their mark in construction. Almost a third stated a passion for architecture and a similar number wanted to ‘create a better physical’ world, further supporting Gen Z’s growing reputation as the ‘sustainability generation’, regarding greener construction as a route to a lower carbon future. AN EVOLVING INDUSTRY Over a third agged that they were interested in construction because they see it as an industry ‘going through a massive, positive change’. is might re ect a growing public awareness over the past few years around the sector’s growing diversity, greater digital adoption and greener approaches to business. Emphasising the impact innovation is having on the industry, three quarters of respondents also recognised that ‘a lot’ or a ‘fair amount’ of technology is used in contemporary construction. Unsurprisingly, salary and earning potential were a main motivator. ‘Good pay’ ranked top of the incentive list, followed by a good home and work balance (2), a respectful working environment (3), interesting work (4) and working with nice people (5). TRAIN DRAIN However, despite an uplift in interest from a younger generation looking to make their way in the industry, another recent study by the Association of Colleges (AoC) found skills shortages amongst sta looking to teach construction are stalling progress. Putting the problem into context, 85% of further education colleges have struggled to secure sta to teach the relevant subjects. It’s a problem that will need to be addressed should the indicative ndings of NBS’s report be borne out in reality and an in ux of interest in construction roles occurs over the next six months. Russell said: “ is study has proven to be a litmus test of where the industry is heading within the next 20 years. Seeing more women and greater diversity entering the workforce will only continue its upward trajectory. With so much interest from young people, our next challenge is turning interest into long and fruitful careers.” <<