Increase in NEETs is ‘a huge opportunity’ for construction

Young people in the UK who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) could be key to tackling construction’s skills crisis, according to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

New ONS data reveals an estimated 13.2% of all people aged 16 to 24 years were NEET in July to September 2024, increasing from 12.2% in the previous quarter. 

In total, 946,000 young people were NEET – of those, approximately 550,000 were young men and 397,000 were young women. This translates to approximately 15.1% of young men and 11.2% of young women. 

The figures also show 395,000 NEET young people were unemployed in the last quarter. This group is defined as those without a job who have been actively seeking work but unable to find it. 

The publication of the ONS data comes as the construction industry faces significant skills challenges. 

Earlier this year, a report from the CITB revealed that more than 250,000 extra construction workers are required by 2028 to meet demand.

Responding to the latest NEETs figures, the CITB said the industry must come together to demonstrate the benefits of a career in construction.

“Collectively we need to be better at shouting about what a fantastic industry this is, the opportunities it can offer young people, and highlighting formal recruitment methods, as too often informal routes are pursued,” commented Tim Balcon, CEO of CITB.

“There are hundreds of thousands of young people not in employment, education, or training, but we ought to see this as a huge opportunity.

"We need better incentives and flexibility for construction employers to invest in training and apprenticeships, and we need to raise awareness of the varied financial and educational support available for learners.”

Balcon said CITB must continue to develop and evolve funding, grants and support schemes to help construction employers navigate the skills system, as well as offering courses and forums for learners to become competent workers and understand the opportunities available in the construction industry. 

“But the skills shortage isn’t just an issue for CITB, other industry bodies, or the largest construction employers to address,” Balcon added. “It’s something that the industry must tackle in a collaborative way.”