Open Doors returns in March 2025 and is being delivered by Build UK in partnership with CITB and CSCS. It is supported by the media, community, and industry partners, and construction employers are encouraged to register their events to participate.

Open Doors offers a unique opportunity for the public to go behind the scenes of live construction sites, offices, factories, and training centres across the UK – both in person and virtually.

Employers that register for Open Doors and provide a ‘shop window’ for the industry put themselves in a prime position to attract and retain new workers and demonstrate the benefits of pursuing a career in construction.

Employers registering their events should consider the most attractive interactive experiences and learning opportunities for young people. This could be providing practical demonstrations or having employees explain the differences in their roles and responsibilities.

The event presents an excellent opportunity for SMEs in the construction sector to attract new apprentices.

Over two-thirds of apprenticeship starts in the construction industry are employed by companies of fewer than 50 employees, demonstrating how vital a strong pipeline of apprenticeships is for smaller construction employers. 

Deb Madden, executive director of Nations Engagement, CITB, said: “Open Doors provides a beautiful forum for construction employers to engage with the workforce of tomorrow and for young people to understand the joys and diversity of a career in construction.

“The industry needs to recruit 50,000 new entrants a year, and Open Doors provides a unique opportunity for young people and those looking for a career change to go behind the scenes and see just what the industry has to offer.” 

CITB will welcome attendees to its National Construction College (NCC) sites at Bircham Newton and Inchinnan as part of the Open Doors programme.

Build UK members can register for their events for free, and an early-bird discount is available to non‐members until 30 November.

Key dates for Open Doors are as follows: 

• 7 October 2024 – Event registration opened for employers
• 13 January 2025 – Visitor bookings open 
• 17 – 22 March 2025 – Open Doors week