September 12th 2024.
Have you ever noticed that things aren't always what they seem? This rings especially true when it comes to the world of property shows. From building your dream home to finding the perfect vacation house abroad, we just can't seem to get enough of these shows. Our TV schedules are jam-packed with programs that offer renovation advice, interior decor ideas, and DIY tips, reflecting our national obsession with owning our own homes. In fact, according to the Office of National Statistics, a staggering 62.5% of UK households owned the accommodation they lived in, as of 2021.
However, despite this love for homeownership, the UK has seen a drop in home ownership in recent years. One of the main reasons for this is the rising cost of property. The average house price in the UK has increased from a mere £1,884 in 1953 to a whopping £262,000 this year. And within the UK, England takes the crown for being the most expensive country to buy a property, with an average house price of £305,370. Of course, we all know that London takes the cake for being even more expensive, with the government reporting an average house price of £518,000 in the capital.
But despite these soaring prices, Brits still have a strong appetite for home improvements. With the rise of interior influencers showcasing their picture-perfect homes, along with DIY tips, shopping inspiration, and how-to guides, it's no surprise that a study found a 59% increase in interest for home improvement projects from April 2022 to April 2023. However, rising construction costs are becoming a major concern for homeowners, as supply chain issues and inflation have caused a significant increase in material prices. Additionally, labor costs are also on the rise due to high demand.
But fear not, because the Construction Industry Training Board has predicted that the UK's construction output will continue to rise by an average of 2.4% per year until 2028. This means that there will be a lot of construction projects in the works, and to keep up with the demand, the industry will need more than 251,500 additional workers in the next five years. This will bring the total number of construction workers to 2.75 million by 2028.
Are you on the lookout for a new job? If so, you might want to check out Metro's Jobs Board. As part of our partnership with Jobbio's Amply network, we bring you the latest careers news, trends, and tips. This partnership aims to make it easier for job seekers to find their perfect job by sharing thousands of fantastic career opportunities.
Speaking of careers, have you heard of the rising trend of the "Toolbelt Generation"? This refers to younger people, particularly those in the Gen Z bracket, who are veering away from traditional university education due to the average post-university debt of £45,600. Instead, they are turning to vocational training, which is becoming increasingly more attractive. According to the Institute of Student Employers, the average graduate salary in the UK is £33,229. In comparison, a plumber can earn £48,675, according to The Federation of Master Builders.
The Federation also found that other skilled professionals in the construction industry were taking home even higher earnings. Site managers earn an average of £51,266, electricians £47,265, painters and decorators £34,587, roofers £42,303, bricklayers £42,034, carpenters and joiners £41,413, and plasterers £41,045. It's no wonder that vocational training is becoming a more attractive option for the younger generation.
Interestingly, a study by Fix Radio, a station for builders, found that 65% of Brits were not encouraged to pursue a career in the trades in the first place. However, this may be changing, as the CITB reported a 45% increase in the number of people seeking information about a career in construction in March. Their construction careers website, Go Construct, has seen almost one million visits this year, with a third of the users under the age of 18 and 33% of them being female.
It's also worth noting that popular culture plays a role in influencing career choices, according to the Chartered Institute of Builders. A third of construction workers surveyed said that they were influenced by popular culture, with none other than Bob the Builder being the top influencer.
So, when someone asks, "Can we fix it?" in reference to the need for more construction workers, the answer is a resounding "Yes we can!" If you're eager to land a new role in the construction industry, be sure to check out the Metro Job Board for hundreds of opportunities all across the UK.
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