Construction Apprenticeships See First Increase Since 2021

There was a 1.5% increase in new construction apprentices for 2024/25, representing the first year of growth since the 2021/22 peak, according to new analysis by Protrade.

Following back-to-back years of declines in new entrants to the sector, including a 5.9% decrease in 2022/23 and 1.2% drop in 2023/24, this reversal in trend represents a positive story for the construction industry.

However, despite signs of stabilisation, apprenticeship numbers are still significantly short of the levels required to meet long-term workforce demand, particularly in light of ongoing housing and infrastructure targets.

The CITB forecasted last year that an additional 240,000 construction workers would be required by 2030 to keep pace with construction targets. Against this backdrop, the latest growth in 2024/25 (24,590 new apprentices) represents just over half (51%) of the 48,000 new recruits the sector actually needs to hit each year.

As a result, the construction sector still has work to do in order to significantly expand the uptake of construction apprenticeships, says Protrade.

2024/25 Construction Apprenticeships

Female Apprentices

It was a record year for females beginning a construction apprenticeship, with 2,630 female new entrants – a 9% increase. This means women now account for 1 in 10 construction apprentices.

This growth contrasts with relatively flat male recruitment, indicating that recent increases in total apprenticeship numbers are being driven largely by improved female participation rather than broader sector growth.

Minority Apprentices

New apprentices from ethnic minority backgrounds also rose, representing an 18% increase on 2023/24 levels (2,270).

This brings the total number of apprentices from ethnic backgrounds to nearly double (+88%) 2018/19 levels, marking a renewed improvement in diversity intake following only a small increase in 2023/24.

Apprentice Age Groups

Apprenticeship starts among younger age groups has shown limited growth, with 16-18 year old intake remaining broadly flat year-on-year. Notably, 18-year-old starts increased slightly in 2024/25, reversing declines seen in previous years.

Those aged 19-24 remain the dominant entry group, accounting for over a third (35%) of new apprentices, and showing modest growth of 3% in 2024/25. Older age groups (35+) continue to represent a small but gradually growing share of new starters.

Regional

The East Midlands was the fastest growing region for new construction apprentices (8% growth), whilst the North West leads overall with the most apprentices (4,240).

Meanwhile, London remains the lowest-ranking region overall (1,980) despite a 2.6% increase.

Industry Action

Overall, the data shows a clear skills gap remains between the number of new apprentices and the required size of the UK construction workforce to meet national building targets.

With this in mind, Craig Sanders, Joint Managing Director at Protrade, outlines actions the industry can implement to expand construction apprenticeship uptake:

Strengthen support for SMEs taking on construction apprentices

Small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of the UK construction sector, yet many face significant barriers to recruiting apprentices due to administrative complexity, rising employment costs and limited capacity to manage training requirements. Simplifying apprenticeship processes, reducing paperwork and expanding financial incentives, particularly in the early stages of employment, would help make apprenticeships more viable for smaller firms.

Without targeted support, apprenticeship growth risks becoming concentrated among larger employers, limiting the sector’s ability to scale its workforce in line with demand.

Reverse declining apprenticeship uptake among 16 to 18 year olds

Despite signs of stabilisation in overall apprenticeship numbers, participation among younger age groups continues to decline, with apprenticeship starts for 16 and 17 year olds falling year-on-year and only a modest recovery among 18 year olds in 2024/25.

To reverse declines among 16 to 18 year olds, greater emphasis is needed on earlier careers engagement within schools, clearer and more visible pathways from education into construction apprenticeships, and closer collaboration between employers, training providers and careers services. This could include improved exposure to construction roles before GCSE and post-16 decision points, better signposting of apprenticeship options alongside academic routes, and stronger employer involvement in schools and colleges.

Capitalise on interest in green careers to attract next generation of construction apprentices

As the UK accelerates delivery of its Warm Homes Plan, demand for skills in retrofit, energy efficiency and low-carbon construction is set to increase significantly. At the same time, evidence suggests almost half of young people in the UK are aiming for green careers that help the planet.

Positioning construction apprenticeships as a route into climate-positive, future-proof careers, including roles in insulation, heat pump installation and sustainable building methods, could help re-engage school leavers while directly supporting national housing and net-zero ambitions.

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