Construction employers across the country have the chance to inspire the next generation of construction workers by demonstrating the excitement of a career in construction and taking young people onto one of their live sites.
Open Doors week being held between March 17th and 22th 2025 is being delivered by the Build UK in partnership with CITB and CSCS, supported by media, community and industry partners, who are encouraging construction employers to register their events to take part.
Open Doors offers a unique opportunity for the public to go behind the scenes of live construction sites, offices, factories, and training centres across the UK – both in person and virtually.
Employers that register for Open Doors and provide a ‘shop window’ for the industry put themselves in a prime position to attract and retain new workers and demonstrate the benefits of pursuing a career in construction.
Employers that register their events should consider what interactive experiences and learning opportunities will be most attractive for young people. This could be providing practical demonstrations or having employees explain the differences in their roles and responsibilities.
The event presents a great opportunity for SMEs in the construction sector to attract new apprentices. Over two-thirds of apprenticeship starts in the construction industry are employed by companies of fewer than 50 employees, demonstrating how important a strong pipeline of apprenticeships are for smaller construction employers.
Deb Madden, Executive Director, Nations Engagement, CITB said: “Open Doors provides a wonderful forum for construction employers to engage with the workforce of tomorrow, and for young people to understand the joys and diversity of a career in construction. The industry needs to recruit 50,000 new entrants a year and Open Doors provides a unique opportunity for young people and those looking for a change of career to go behind the scenes and see just what the industry has to offer.
“It’s also a great opportunity for SMEs to get involved and showcase their sites. A healthy construction industry requires thriving SME employers as they’re crucial to establishing a strong pipeline of apprentices and new entrants.
“I urge construction employers to take up the chance to register their sites for Open Doors 2025, it’s going to be a very worthwhile event.”
Employers can find information or register their site for Open Doors at https://opendoors.construction/
