New CITB report reveals issues widening the construction skills gap

​​​​​​​The Industry Picture 2026 report states that the skills gap is structural, not temporary, and can only be overcome with widespread industry collaboration

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)’s report Industry Picture 2026 presents a wide body of evidence that explores the challenges and opportunities underpinning the construction skills gap, turning data and forecasts into a clear, accessible view of the industry as a whole.

Its aim is to help industry, employers, Government, and training providers understand the significant trends and challenges for construction and where targeted action can have the greatest impact.

The report finds that if the construction industry continues with the same approach, it will encounter a widening gap between project demand and its capacity to deliver.

The widening construction skills gap has been reported by CITB and the industry for years. The Industry Picture presents a longer-term concern: leaving the gap unaddressed any longer puts the industry at increased risk, and the results will be tangible societal consequences: the homes and infrastructure that communities across the country urgently need will be delayed or cancelled.

Another repercussion is more economic; a widening skills gap will limit the volume of work that can be delivered and push up tender prices as firms compete for scarce labour and skills.

The Industry Picture 2026 highlights four connected themes:

• Fewer people are available to the industry
• Demand for construction skills is growing faster than supply
• Too many workers leave the industry too soon
• Current productivity levels are insufficient to offset worker shortages.

The report highlights that, to secure its future and deliver on national ambitions, industry must invest more in people, modernise its approach to skills and training, and work collaboratively across the sector. These combined approaches will help the industry build capacity, close the skills gap, boost productivity, and remain a key driver of economic growth.

To achieve this, the Industry Picture recommends coordinated action to make construction a more attractive career option, connect training more closely with real job opportunities, improve flexibility to retain more workers at every stage of their careers, and better leverage modern technologies.