Data Shows Younger, More Skilled UK Construction Workforce

New data reveals significant shifts in the make‑up of the UK construction workforce, with a larger proportion of young people in the industry and more on-site workers operating at skilled and advanced levels.

Cardholder data from Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) shows that in 2025, more than one in four (25.16%) CSCS cards are now held by individuals under the age of 30. This is up from just 17% in 2021 – marking an 8% increase in the share of 20-29-year-olds holding CSCS cards in just 4 years.

The data challenges the prevailing narrative that fewer young people are choosing careers in construction. One explanation for the shift could be changing career priorities, says CSCS, with more young people seeking skills‑based, AI‑resilient roles offering clear progression routes.

More Skilled Workforce

CSCS data also shows more skilled workers across the industry. Analysis of verified card scan data from the CSCS Smart Check API shows a change in the skills mix on construction sites. In 2023, just 27% of cards scanned belonged to skilled and advanced workers. By 2025, that figure had increased to over 39%.

The data from CSCS provides a real‑time view of workers on site based on card scans, providing an accurate picture of workforce composition as it happens.

The findings suggest that more people arriving on site today are qualified, experienced and operating at higher skill levels than they were just a few years ago.

Sean Kearns, Group Chief Executive, CSCS, said: “At CSCS, our 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 more young people are choosing construction as a career. Now the focus must be on sustained upskilling across the industry, ensuring we develop a workforce that is adaptable, future‑proof and ready to support long‑term growth.”

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