A brief review of policy and practice for careers education

The construction sector faces an ongoing skills shortage in the UK. This is exacerbated by negative perceptions of construction careers and the sector as a place to work, narrow horizons among potential entrants ruling construction out of their career options, the changing nature of work in construction, changing work practices and skills required, challenges attracting individuals to change sectors, and poor retention in the sector. These influence the extent to which the sector can improve its supply of labour and skills to meet its needs. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has therefore identified several new groups to engage with to support careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) in order to improve and broaden the future labour supply:

• Children in early years (aged 3 to 5)
• Children of primary school age and in early secondary school (aged 5 to 14)
• Young people on or considering vocational pathways
• Adults currently outside the labour market

This literature review investigates how the UK construction sector can broaden its future labour supply by engaging with these four groups. It outlines current policy and practice in careers education, identifies challenges for each target group, and highlights opportunities for CITB to influence and improve careers pathways into construction.

The review identifies that the construction sector faces substantial long‑term skills challenges, but significant opportunities exist to broaden the talent pipeline, particularly by engaging younger children, improving vocational guidance and experiences, and addressing the barriers faced by economically inactive adults. This review recommends that careers education works best when it is inclusive, employer‑linked, personalised, early, and sustained. The review also establishes that that CITB is well positioned to drive improvement by supporting employers, influencing policy, and providing high‑quality resources and programmes.