CHY

Construction has so much to offer: job security, competitive salaries, clear progression pathways. But to many it feels like the door is closed – or perhaps they’d rather not open it. How can the sector shake off its hyper-traditional image and become more inclusive and appealing?

Other industries have been diversifying their workforce for years and enjoying the benefits, but it’s fair to say construction is still a bit stuck. Traditionally male dominated, the sector still only has 15.8% female employees – only a slight climb from the 1992 figure of 12.8%. That’s not a vast improvement in 30+ years.

Black, Asian and ethnic minority workers make up just 5.4% of the UK construction workforce. Disabled staff make up just 6%. And studies have shown LGBTQ+ workers desperately need more representation in the industry – with many saying they don’t feel comfortable being open about their sexuality at work.

If organisations are serious about designing and building spaces that work for everyone, we need to have a workforce that includes everyone – at every level.
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So, how do we go about doing that?

This is one of the big questions we’re currently exploring at CHY as Construction York gets underway. We’re working in partnership with City of York council, with UK Government funding, to join the dots between York construction businesses, construction training providers, community groups and York residents, with the aim of getting more people in the city into long-term construction careers.

But it’s not as simple as opening the door and expecting people to pile in, eager to learn. Preconceptions about the industry, working culture and types of work available can be real barriers to entry – even (especially?) for those who would really benefit from the advantages a construction career can offer.

It’s vital that the industry keeps working collectively to change the culture. And we need to change the way people think about construction careers too. We’re hoping that,by working with residents and community groups as well as businesses, Construction York will be able to tackle the issue from both sides.

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Why should people in York consider a construction career?

‍York may have low unemployment figures compared to other Yorkshire cities like Bradford and Leeds. But ONS data shows that unemployment is on the rise in the city – jumping from 1.8% in 2022 to 2.5% in 2023 (national levels climbed only fractionally – by 0.1%).

And of course unemployment figures don’t account for those working in unstable jobs with unpredictable hours, low pay and no security – fairly typical in the retail and hospitality sectors where a lot of York’s business is done.

Meanwhile, nationally, living standards are in decline, public services underfunded and the cost of living crisis is showing no signs of relenting. As usual, it’s those in marginalised communities who are being hit the hardest – for example, economists say living standards of poorest women will decline by 21% by 2027-28 unless drastic changes are made in the next budget.

Times are challenging for all industries, and construction is no exception. But with a renewed government focus on getting Britain building, a career in construction is a compelling option.

And the scope of work available is broad. On-site roles include site management, quantity surveying, labouring, trades and facilities management. There’s also the opportunity to specialise in much-needed green skills. Off-site there are a wealth of roles available in project management, procurement, building modelling (BIM), health and safety, logistics, business development, engineering, marketing – and of course, social value!

With several large regeneration projects on the horizon and vital retrofitting work needed, should York developers take the easy route of shipping in workers from elsewhere? Or could they look at upskilling the existing local workforce, supporting local construction businesses, and attracting new entrants by making training and employment practices more inclusive?

Could we start to move some of those people out of those depressing statistics and into a better, more secure future?

These are some of the questions we’re hoping to tackle.

You can follow our progress over on the Construction York LinkedIn page.