London Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC), led by New City College (NCC)
Construction and Built Environment Skills Demand Mapping, and CTEC Prioritisation Rationale Report
New City College - Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) Building Greater London’s construction workforce of the future ncclondon.ac.uk
London Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC), led by New City College (NCC)
Construction and Built Environment Skills Demand Mapping, and CTEC Prioritisation Rationale Report
Author: Hazel Mealy, on behalf of NCC Date: 17 July 2026 Version: 1.0
Contents: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Background Summary Methodology Skills Demand Mapping Overview Heritage Skills- Cross Cutting Conclusion Appendix 1
1
1. Background
An initial review of available Construction and Built Environment (C&BE) Skills demand data by the London Construction Sector Technical Excellence College (CTEC), led by New City College, highlighted that there is a breadth of relevant skills projections, surveys and estimates available across the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) occupational groups and their associated sectors, but the whole picture is not easily found in one place, or easy to cross-reference. The CTEC, its spoke-Skills providers, and other stakeholders require a complete, recent and objective evidence base to inform strategic decision-making and enable achievement of the CTEC objectives namely Boosting Provision, Teaching and Curricula, Leveraging Employers and Promoting Pathways. In consultation with the CTEC working group and the Greater London Authority (GLA), it was agreed to undertake this first phase of the Greater London C&BE Skills Demand Mapping exercise, confined by the CTEC’s remit and timescales1. 2. Summary
This report and associated supplementary documents, is a mapping of secondary sources of relevant recent data, projections, pipelines and skills needs/gaps analyses in the C&BE Sector (as per CITB scope definition2), Building Services Engineering (as per EBSSA definition3), Central Government controlled Infrastructure Pipeline data (As per NISTA pipeline4), and the Housing/ House-building Sector5, compiled by “Occupational Group1” with Industry Sector data, with reference to key CrossCutting demand data (e.g. Heritage), and relevant competing other skills demand data (e.g. data centres, clean energy).
The purpose of this mapping for the CTEC, is as follows: •
•
To establish a broad evidence-base of C&BE skills demand in London, in a concise, objective and compelling comparative user-friendly format for CTEC spokes, sub-regional leads and stakeholders, to be referred to for decision-making, including further work on specific occupational groups and their skills pathways, and deep-dives. To act as an initial skills demand map for the GLA Construction Sector Talent Board (due to begin in the Summer of 2026), to be led by Places for London.
1 CTEC Design Phase, February to July 2026. 2 CITB CWO 2026-30. 3 Engineering & Building Services Skills Alliance (EBSSA) Skills Plan, 2026. 4 NISTA Infrastructure Pipeline Skills Demand, 2026. 5 Represented by Home Builders Federation and London Homes Coalition 2
3. Methodology
I.
Desk-based Research
The review took the form of desk-based research and extraction of data from relevant reports and sources, to bring them together in one place, and cross compare, to build up an objective picture of skills demand data and evidence for London. The list of data sources can be found in Appendix 1, and have all been published in the last 3 years (2023-2026). The reports can be categorised under the following headings: -
Construction and Built Environment Skills Demand (CITB Scope definition) London housing Sector Skills Demand Engineering and building Services Sector Skills Demand (EBSSA Scope definition) Individual Sector Body Skills Demand Cross-cutting Sectors Skills Demand Central Government controlled Infrastructure Pipeline data Sub-regional Pipeline Data where available (for South London Partnership and Central London Forward) Relevant Intersecting Other Skills Demand GLA London Jobs Postings Data Priority Occupation Lists (Skilled Worker Visa Temporary Shortage List 20252, Clean Energy Industries and Home Building Skills Lists)
-
II.
Key Consultations
The CTEC did not undertake any primary research, but consulted with the following stakeholders for guidance, additional data or clarifications, and feedback throughout the process: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Greater London Authority (GLA) Economics team - Authors of the London Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) Evidence Base work3, 2025. GLA wider team GLA Interim C&BE Sector Talent Board (16th June, 5th March) CTEC Sub-regional leads (6th July, 18th May) Whole Life Consultants -Data consultant on a number of the papers mentioned in this report CTEC Working Group- including representation from brick, plant, infrastructure, electrical and wider construction industry (23rd May) Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) National Roofing Contractors Federation (NRCF) London Heritage Skills Network (Led by Houses of Parliament R+R project) Historic England Central London Forward Subregional Partnership
3
4. Skills Demand Mapping Overview
The mapping can be categorized into three layers of information, detailed in the following sections: I. II. III.
CTEC Skills Demand Research and Reports Mapping (2023-2026)- Table 1 GLA Economics LSIP Job Postings Research (2025)- Table 2 UK Government sources highlighting Priority Occupations (2025)- Table 3 and 4
Read together (See table 5) we consider that they give a good indication of where there is significant demand or pressures on occupations or occupational groups, and where concentrating efforts are likely to have the most impact to improve the pipeline, address the bottlenecks and/or improve outcomes for learners, employers and the sector, to achieve the CTEC objectives. I.
CTEC Skills Demand Research and Reports Mapping (2023-2026)
The first layer of information looked at available skills demand research, reports, projections and trade surveys, across the 28 CITB CWO Occupational Groups. See table 1overleaf which identifies the following: -
-
16 Occupational Groups have indicators across a good number of sources of high growth, high priority or have been shown to have pipeline issues- As shown in red 2 Occupational Groups have some indicators of high growth, are a high priority for certain sectors, or have not consistently been shown to have pipeline issues. (Painters and Decorators; Glaziers and Window Trades)- As shown in orange The outstanding 9 Occupational Groups have been deemed as low priorities for the following reasons, as discussed in detail with stakeholders through the process: o
o
o o
Low Demand, and Sector Leadership CIOB/Other is better placed to deal with the skills gaps identified (Directors, Executives and Senior Managers, and Construction Project Managers). The CTEC role will be to raise awareness of these later career opportunities to build aspiration and interest in entering the industry. Attraction Issue as opposed to a skills development one, so generally falls outside of the CTEC Remit for Boosting Provision and Teaching and Curricula, but may feature generally in activities related to Leveraging Employers and Promoting Pathways. (Labourers) Insufficient evidence of high demand, growth or pipeline issues (Plasterers) Outside of CTEC remit as not directly construction related, but construction-enabling sectors (Logistics, Non-construction trades and operatives, Non-construction professional & technical office staff*6, Other non-construction office-based staff)
6 With the Exception of the Occupation “Health and Safety Managers and Staff ” in this OG. 4
Table 1. [See Supplementary documents 1,2,3,4 for further details] 1
Directors, executives and senior managers
Low Demand; Refer to CIOB Skills report for Occupational Group Needs
2
Construction project managers
Low Demand; Refer to CIOB Skills report for Occupational Group Needs
3
Construction trades supervisors
HIGH Except for London Homes Coalition
4
Electrical installation trades
LOW FROM CITB; VERY HIGH FROM OTHER SOURCES+ Strong Granular Sector data
5
Carpenters and joiners
HIGH- For housing only (HBF, LHC)
6
Plumbing and HVAC trades
LOW FROM CITB; HIGH- But not due to housing sector; High demand Net Zero+ Data Centres
7
Labourers
Insufficient evidence of pipeline issues; Attraction issue as opposed to skills issue.
8
Painters and decorators
MEDIUM- Low % Increase indicated by CITB
9
Bricklayers and masons
High- Especially for housing Sector (HBF, LHC)
10
Plasterers
Insufficient evidence of high demand, growth or pipeline issues
11
Logistics
Enabling Sector
12
Plant operatives
HIGH- Consistently, but CPA Skills Report is from 2017.
13
Roofers
VERY HIGH- Consistent data across sources; Pipeline issues identified.
14
Plant mechanics/fitters
HIGH- Consistently, but CPA Skills Report is from 2017.
15
Floorers and wall tilers
VERY HIGH- Consistently shown as in high demand across sources; Pipeline Issues
16
Groundworkers
VERY HIGH- Poor pipeline also identified
17
Scaffolders
HIGH- Recent Sector projections
18
Road and rail construction operatives
Insufficient evidence of high demand, growth or pipeline issues in C&BE Sector
19
Glaziers and window trades
MEDIUM- Mixed Projections; High demand for Retrofit and Heritage Sectors
20
Steel erectors and metal workers
HIGH- Identified as especially high in CLF Subregion’s pipeline
21
Other construction and building trades
HIGH- but not a well-defined sector to focus on- unless further clarity can be provided.
22
Non-construction trades and operatives
OUTSIDE CTEC REMIT
23
Surveyors
VERY HIGH- Consistently shown as in high demand across sources; Pipeline Issues
24
Civil engineers
HIGH- But not due to housing sector
25
Architects
Insufficient evidence of high demand, growth or pipeline issues
26
Other professional & technical staff (construction)
VERY HIGH- dependent on occupation.
27
Non-construction professional & technical office staff
OUTSIDE REMIT (NOTE: HEALTH+SAFETY MANAGERS ARE IN HIGH DEMANDLSIP RESEARCH*)
28
Other non-construction officebased staff
OUTSIDE CTEC REMIT
5
II.
GLA Economics LSIP Job Postings Research (CTEC review of raw data), 2025.
The second layer of information, is a review of the raw data from the GLA Economics LSIP Job Postings Research, for London in 2025, kindly provided to the CTEC by GLA Economics, shown in Table 2 overleaf, which broadly found the following: Of the 28 CITB Occupational Groups, the most in-demand group by job postings density of occupations in the group, and a number of other key metrics (See methodology) 7, were the following Groups: •
•
• •
• •
Other Professional and Technical Staff (Construction)- in the following occupations: o
Engineering Technicians
o
Mechanical Engineers
o
Inspectors of Standards and Regulations
o
Chartered Surveyors
o
Engineering Project Managers and Project Engineers
o
Electrical Engineers
Surveyors - in the following occupations (representing the entire Occupational Group): o
Quantity Surveyors
o
Electricians and Electrical Fitters
o
Skilled Metal, Electrical and Electronic Trades Supervisors
Electrical Installation Trades- in the following occupations: Trade Supervisors- in the following occupations (representing the entire Occupational Group): o
Construction and Building Trades Supervisors
o
Health and Safety Managers
Non-construction professional & technical office staff- in only one occupation: Floorers and Wall Tilers- However, low Growth projections of 2% are noteworthy.
Of the 28 CITB Occupational Groups, the highest projected growths by group to 2030, in Greater London in 2025, were the following: •
Plumbing + HVAC (7%)
•
Construction Trade Supervisors (6%)
•
Roofers (6%) However, showing relatively low job density in 2025
•
Electricians (6%)
•
Engineering Project Managers (6%)
Some notable very low8 job density and growth postings were noted in the following occupations: •
Glaziers (7/100) and low growth (1%)
•
Bricklayers (14/100), and medium growth (4%)
•
Scaffolders (6/ 100), and medium growth (4%)
•
Carpenters/ Joiners (16/100) and medium growth (4%)
7 As per LSIP GLA Report: LSIP sector skills analysis (2025) - London Datastore 8 This could be explained by different recruitment offline recruitment, or multiple roles under one posting. 6
Some notable very high job density of job-postings were noted in the following occupations: •
Electrical Engineers (111/100);
•
Engineering Technicians (149/100);
•
Metal, Electrical and Electronic Supervisors (123/100)
Some notable high job density of job-postings were noted in the following occupations: •
Floorers and Wall Tilers (58/100);
•
Construction Trade Supervisors (60/100);
•
Health and Safety Managers (85/100)
7
Table 2: GLA Economics LSIP Job Postings Research, 2025. Green indicates low density/growth; Red indicates high density/growth
Code
OCCUPATIONAL GROUP
Occupation
Job posting Employment Number of unique density 2025 (2022job postings 2025 (Postings per 100 2024)* (>100) jobs) (>2,000)
Minimum Median Job Growth Expected posting projected to Education duration 2030 Level
1122
Directors, executives and senior managers
Production Managers and Directors in Construction
29,100
1,030
4
30
5%
Level 3
2451 Architects
Architects
14,300
1,250
9
31
2%
Level 6 +
2121 Civil Engineers
Civil Engineers
12,800
4,490
35
31
3%
Level 4/5
2122
Mechanical Engineers
8,200
6,350
77
31
5%
Level 4/5
2123
Electrical Engineers
4,800
5,270
111
30
2%
Level 4/5
2127
Engineering Project Managers and Project Engineers
4,800
1,180
25
31
6%
Level 6 +
3113
Engineering Technicians
6,300
9,360
149
29
5%
Level 3
2452 Other prof. & tech. staff (construction)
Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers 7,200 and Consultants
2,050
28
30
3%
Level 6 +
3114
Building and Civil Engineering Technicians
220
8
29
3%
Level 3
3120
CAD, Drawing and Architectural 10,900 Technicians
2,270
21
30
3%
Level 3
3581
Inspectors of Standards and Regulations
3,100
1,730
55
28
5%
Level 2
Quantity Surveyors
8,000
6,720
85
31
5%
Level 6 +
Chartered Surveyors
12,400
5,450
44
30
4%
Level 6 +
Construction Project Managers 15,900 and Related Professionals
1,390
9
30
4%
Level 6 +
2453 2454
Surveyors
Construction project 2455 managers and related professionals 3582
Non-construction professional and technical office-based staff
Health and Safety Managers and Officers
7,700
6,530
85
29
5%
Level 3
5213
Steel erectors and metal workers
Welding Trades
3,300
510
15
28
4%
Level 2
5241
Electricians and Electrical Fitters
21,700
6,860
32
29
6%
Level 3
5246
Electrical Service and Maintenance Mechanics and Repairers
2,300
210
9
31
6%
Level 2
Electrical and Electronics Technicians
2,900
800
27
29
5%
Level 3
Skilled Metal, Electrical and Electronic Trades Supervisors
3,600
4,480
123
30
3%
Level 3
Construction and Building Trades Supervisors
9,900
5,940
60
30
6%
Level 3
7,200
1,020
14
21
4%
Level 2
750
25
25
6%
Level 2
Electrical installation trades
3112 5250 5330
Construction Trade Supervisors
5313 Bricklayers and masons Bricklayers and Stonemasons 5314 Roofers
8
2,800
Roofers, Roof Tilers and Slaters 3,000
Plumbing and heating, ventilation, and air Plumbers and Heating and 5315 conditioning (HVAC) Ventilating Engineers trades
18,900
2,710
14
30
7%
Level 2
5316 Carpenters and joiners Carpenters and Joiners
23,000
3,680
16
29
4%
Level 2
Glaziers and window 5317 trades
Glaziers, Window Fabricators and Fitters
2,800
200
7
26
1%
Level 2
Other construction 5319 and building trades
Construction and Building Trades n.e.c.
45,100
3,410
8
29
5%
Level 2
5322 Floorers and wall tilers
Floorers and Wall Tilers
2,300
1,320
58
24
2%
Level 2
Painters and 5323 Decorators
Painters and Decorators
16,700
1,610
10
23
3%
Level 2
8151 Scaffolders
Scaffolders, Stagers and Riggers 5,700
320
6
25
4%
Level 2
8229 Plant Operatives
Mobile Machine Drivers and Operatives n.e.c.
3,000
190
6
19
3%
Below level 2
9129 Labourers
Elementary Construction Occupations n.e.c.
10,600
4,190
39
23
5%
Below level 2
III.
UK Government sources highlighting Priority Occupations, 2025.
The third layer of information was UK Government sources, outlining National Priority occupations, on the “Skilled worker visa temporary shortage list” and “Assessment of Priority Skills to 2030”. The Skilled Worker Visa Temporary Shortage List4 (See Table 3) was generally quite consistent with the above two sources, with the exception of Roofers and Surveyors, which were not included in the list.
Table 3. The Skilled Work Visa Temporary Shortage List Occupation Code
Occupation
3112
Electrical and electronics technicians
3113
Engineering technicians
3114
Building and civil engineering technicians
3120
CAD, drawing and architectural technicians
3541
Estimators, valuers and assessors
5213
Welding trades
5214
Pipe fitters
5223
Metal working production and maintenance fitters
5225
Air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers
5231
Vehicle technicians, mechaniNOcs and electricians
5241
Electricians and electrical fitters
5242
Telecoms and related network installers and repairers
5249
Electrical and electronic trades n.e.c.
5311
Steel erectors
5315
Plumbers and heating and ventilating installers and repairers
5319
Construction and building trades n.e.c.
5322
Floorers and wall tilers
5323
Painters and decorators
5330
Construction and building trades supervisors
The “Assessment of Priority skills to 20305” lists relevant to this report are “ Housebuilding” and “Clean Energy Industries (CEI)”. It is worth noting that London also has a Clean Energy Technical Excellence College, led by London Southbank Technical College, and the CTEC is coordinate closely with it. The CTEC’s primary focus from these two lists should be mainly on those in the Housebuilding Sector. Inconsistent with findings from above, was the inclusion of plastering, and painters and decorators, as priority occupations. Additionally, it was unusual not to find groundworkers in CEI list, while surprisingly glaziers, floorers, carpenters, roofers, bricklayers appeared in both lists. The following Occupational Groups were strongly represented (see table 4) with a high number or all of the occupations within the group included: Other professionals and technical staff working in construction, [12/ 21 Occupations from the OG]; Surveyors [2/2]; Steel Erectors and Metal workers [4/6]; Construction Trade Supervisors [2/2]; Electrical Trades [3/6]; Plumbing and HVAC [2/3];Brick and Stone[2/2];and Civil Engineers, Roofers, Floorers, Glaziers [1/1] etc.
9
Table 4. Assessment of Priority Skills for 2030- Priority Occupation Lists HOUSE BUILDING[HB]-MHLUC
CLEAN ENERGY INDUSTRIES[CEI]- DESNZ
1122 Production managers and directors in construction
1121 Production managers and directors in manufacturing
2121 Civil engineers
1122 Production managers and directors in construction
2151 Conservation professionals
2121 Civil engineers
2152 Environment professionals
2122 Mechanical engineers
2451 Architects
2123 Electrical engineers
2452 Chartered architectural technologists, planning officers and consultants 2124 Electronics engineers 2453 Quantity surveyors
2125 Production and process engineers
2454 Chartered surveyors
2127 Engineering project managers and project engineers
2455 Construction project managers and related professionals
2129 Engineering professionals n.e.c.
3114 Building and civil engineering technicians
2453 Quantity surveyors
3120 CAD, drawing and architectural technicians
2455 Construction project managers and related professionals
3555 Estate agents and auctioneers
3113 Engineering technicians
3581 Inspectors of standards and regulations
3120 CAD, drawing and architectural technicians
5214 Pipe fitters
5213 Welding trades
5241 Electricians and electrical fitters
5221 Metal machining setters and setter-operators
5250 Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades supervisors
5223 Metal working production and maintenance fitters
5311 Steel erectors
5241 Electricians and electrical fitters
5312 Stonemasons and related trades
5242 Telecoms and related network installers and repairers
5313 Bricklayers
5249 Electrical and electronic trades n.e.c.
5314 Roofers, roof tilers and slaters
5313 Bricklayers
5315 Plumbers and heating and ventilating installers and repairers
5314 Roofers, roof tilers and slaters
5316 Carpenters and joiners
5315 Plumbers and heating and ventilating installers and repairers
5317 Glaziers, window fabricators and fitters
5316 Carpenters and joiners
5319 Construction and building trades n.e.c.
5317 Glaziers, window fabricators and fitters
5321 Plasterers
5321 Plasterers
5322 Floorers and wall tilers
5322 Floorers and wall tilers
5323 Painters and decorators
8114 Plastics process operatives
5330 Construction and building trades supervisors
8120 Metal working machine operatives
8151 Scaffolders, stagers and riggers
8143 Routine inspectors and testers
8221 Crane drivers
8151 Scaffolders, stagers and riggers
9121 Groundworkers
8159 Construction operatives n.e.c. 8160 Production, factory and assembly supervisors
Occupations in the “Other professionals and technical staff” OG shown in dark red in table 4, for ease of identification. Occupations not included in the CITB CWO Occupational Groups (ie. Not in Construction Sector) shown in blue.
10
5. Heritage Skills- Cross Cutting
Recalling the CITB-estimate of London construction workforce is c.368,000 in 2025, Historic England’s 2024 Skills Research estimated that a Traditional building skills workforce of c.22,000 would be required by 2027, in London, out of a total of c.39,000 pre-1919 workforce. Historic England’s 2023 Net Zero research estimated that “the greatest need for workers to retrofit historic buildings will be in London, with 30% of its homes built prior to 1919.” The associated dashboard indicates that London needs an estimated average of 16,000 new full time equivalent (FTE) workers per year, with highest numbers in electricians (2400), Plumbing + HVAC (2200) and carpenters (1,900). Historic England notes that “the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal (R&R) Programme will require a core workforce of between c. 2,500 and 2,850 FTE workers on average per year and is estimated to take between 19 years and 43 years, depending on the approach.” The State of Trade Survey by the Federation of Master Builders, highlighted that the top challenge for businesses was finding staff with heritage skills with 58% of respondents highlighting this, on a par with new technologies also at 58%, and sustainable building practices next at 56%. The report notes that: “Shortages in both traditional trades and emerging specialist skills continue to hold back firms as building standards and technical requirements evolve.” The London Heritage Skills Working Group was established by the R+R programme in 2025, with representation from the Crown Estate, Grosvenor Estate, Historic Royal Palaces, St. Paul’s Cathedral and other key Heritage Clients and stakeholders, and the NCC CTEC has participated since April 2026. The main heritage specialist qualification is currently the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heritage Skills (Construction), which has a number of pathways which cover many different construction trades, and content which focuses on heritage-specific skills and training. Historic England categorizes9 the pathways as: General/ Cross-occupational, Woodworking, Masonry, Roofing, Plastering, Painting and Decorating and Metal-work. As part of the deep-dives into the occupational groups, applying a heritage lens on each, where relevant, will strengthen the proposals to address the CTEC objectives across each.
9 Heritage Specialist Training and Qualifications | Historic England 11
Table 5. The Layers of Demand Data read together to take an objective view about the Occupational Groups where CTEC work should be concentrated.
HERITAGE SKILLS OVERLAP
COMBINED
12
CITB CWO 2026Occupational Group (OG)
1 % CTEC Skills Demand Mapping Working [Available reports/ projections 2023-26] in Const. Sector
2
3
GLA Economics LSIP Skilled 2030 Govt. 2030 GPO Refresh Data Review worker Priority Occ. List VisaList [Clean Shortage [Housebuilding] Energy] List (2025) HIGH DEMAND 2025; 1/2 2/2 NO HIGH GROWTH
3
Construction trades 48% supervisors
HIGH Except for London Homes Coalition
4
Electrical installation trade
39%
LOW FROM CITB; VERY HIGH FROM OTHER VERY HIGH DEMAND SOURCES+ Strong Granular Sector data 2025
4/6
1/5
YES
5
Carpenters and joiners
68%
HIGH- For housing only (HBF, LHC)
LOW DEMAND 2025; MEDIUM GROWTH
NO
1/3
YES
6
Plumbing and HVAC 80% trades
LOW FROM CITB; HIGH but not due to housing sector; High: Net Zero+ Data Centres
LOW DEMAND 2025; HIGHEST GROWTH(7%)
3/3
2/3
YES
7
Labourers
80%
Insufficient evidence of pipeline issues; Attraction issue as opposed to skills issue.
MEDIUM DEMAND 2025 [HIGH TURNOVER]
NO
NO
YES
8
Painters and decorators
67%
DEMAND 2025; MEDIUM- Low % Increase indicated by CITB LOW LOW GROWTH
1/1
1/1
NO
9
Bricklayers and masons
98%
High- Especially for housing Sector (HBF, LHC)
LOW DEMAND 2025; MEDIUM GROWTH
NO
2/2
YES
10
Plasterers
98%
Insufficient evidence of high demand, growth or pipeline issues
N/A [Below Threshold] NO
1/1
YES, surprisingly
11
Logistics
4%
OUTSIDE CTEC REMIT
N/A
NO
NO
NO
12
Plant operatives
28%
HIGH- Consistently, but CPA Skills Report is from 2017.
LOW DEMAND; LOW GROWTH
NO
1/4
NO
13
Roofers
98%
VERY HIGH- Consistent data across sources; Pipeline issues identified.
MEDIUM DEMAND, HIGH GROWTH
NO
1/1
YES
14
Plant mechanics/ fitters
16%
N/A [Below Threshold] 2/6
NO
NO
15
Floorers and wall tilers
91%
HIGH- Consistently, but CPA Skills Report is from 2017. VERY HIGH- Consistently shown as in high demand across sources; Pipeline Issues; Attraction Issue
HIGH DEMAND 2025; 1/1 MEDIUM GROWTH
1/1
YES, surprisingly
16
Groundworkers
81%
VERY HIGH- Poor pipeline also identified
N/A
NO
1/1
NO, surprisingly
17
Scaffolders
92%
HIGH- Recent Sector projections
LOW DEMAND 2025; MEDIUM GROWTH
NO
1/1
YES
19
Glaziers and window trades
56%
MEDIUM- Mixed Projections; High demand LOW DEMAND; LOW for Retrofit GROWTH
NO
1/1
YES
20
Steel erectors and metal workers
18%
HIGH- Identified as especially high in CLF Subregion’s pipeline
LOW DEMAND 2025; MEDIUM GROWTH
2/6
1/6
YES
21
Other construction and building trades
62%
HIGH- but not a well-defined sector to focus LOW DEMAND; HIGH on- unless further clarity can be provided. GROWTH
1/2
1/1
NO
23
Surveyors
77%
VERY HIGH- Consistently shown as in high demand across sources; Pipeline Issues
HIGH DEMAND 2025; NO HIGH GROWTH
2/2
YES
24
Civil engineers
71%
HIGH- But not due to housing sector
MEDIUM DEMAND 2025
NO
1/1
YES
26
Other professional & technical staff (construction)
25%
VERY HIGH- dependent on occupation.
VERY HIGH DEMAND 5/21 2025; HIGH GROWTH
5/21
YES
6. Conclusion
The list of OG priorities (See table 6) was adopted in July 2026 for the CTEC Sub-regional leads to take forward as working groups, and guidance notes were produced on each OG, using evidence gathered as part of this work. Heritage Skills was adopted as a cross-cutting priority, given demand being concentrated in London, and the opportune alignment of the CTEC programme with prominent project pipelines (R+R project, Crown Estate etc.).
Similarly, the selected OG’s include many “green10” occupations, fundamental for the Net Zero transition, buildings decarbonization and retrofit roll-out, so this is an inherent cross-cutting theme being adopted, in complementarity with the work of the CETEC. Table 6: Final London CTEC Priorities Table Heritage Green PRIORITY OCCUPATIONAL GROUP (OG) H
GNE
Construction trades supervisors
H
GES
Electrical installation trades
H
GES
Plumbing and HVAC trades
H
GES
Roofers
H
GID
Floorers and wall tilers
H
GID
Steel erectors and metal workers
H
GES
Surveyors
H
GID
Other professional & technical staff (construction)
POTENTIAL PRIORITY OCCUPATIONAL GROUP (OG) H
GID
H
Carpenters and joiners Bricklayers and masons
NEXT STEPS Understand role TP/ FE can play in this OG before deciding if should be taken forward GNE: Retrofit Site Supervision (eg. Retrofit - NOCN) ETCA led by ECA and Barnet+ Southgate College; Established in June 2026. Critical to Net Zero, and Data Centres competing for skills; Note: CETEC collaboration Take forward with NFRC and other stakeholders; Note: Solar overlap Take forward with CFA and other stakeholders, subject to TP’s interest in attempting to address the issues, which centre around attraction. Take forward; Of the 6 occupations in this group, take forward only: -Welding trades -Steel erectors Other occupations in this group fall outside of the Construction sector mostly. Take forward with RICS and other stakeholders; Understand bottlenecks in feeder pathways Take forward the following occupations only: -Mechanical engineers -Electrical engineers - Engineering technicians + CTEC to consider inclusion of “Building and Civil Engineering Technicians”Following GLA Construction Pilot Priorities Annex A, released September 2026. NEXT STEPS If capacity allows and if re-prioritized, take forward. A lot of work has been done previously. Note: Formwork carpenters included in this group. Note: Key sector for Heritage work. If capacity allows and if re-prioritized, take forward. Note: Key sector for Heritage work.
Plant operatives
Advocate for CPA to undertake updated skills report (Most recent from 2017)
Plant mechanics/fitters
Advocate for CPA to undertake updated skills report (Most recent from 2017)
Groundworkers
If capacity allows and if re-prioritized, take forward. Understand changes to CISRS training regulations, and whether this creates opportunities for new TPs [About training]; Note: Key enabler for Heritage work. Request breakdown from CITB to understand if this can be taken forward or if the group is too general
Enabling
GID
Scaffolders
H
GID
Other construction and building trades Civil engineers
If capacity allows and if re-prioritized, take forward.
10 Referencing the Green Skills Adult Education Provision in London.pdf categories of “Green Enhanced Skills (GES)”, “Green Increased Demand (GID)” and “Green New and Emerging (GNE)”.
13
A supporting package of information was produced by the CTEC for project team, which includes: • • • • • •
Document 1: London CTEC Occupational Groups Skills Demand Reference Map (1-Pager- A3) Document 2: London CTEC Occupational Groups Skills Demand table (13-Page Table- A4) Document 3: London CTEC Skills Demand Data (Excel document) Document 4: Skills Demand Sources Folder- (Pdfs of Reports/ Data) Document 5: List of careers initiatives within Sector skills plans Document 6: Map of Relevant Skills Plans recommendations against CTEC objectives
Appendix 1: Sources List
Construction and Built Environment Skills Demand (CITB Scope definition) Sources include: •
• •
CITB6 Workforce Outlook, 2026-2030, Greater London data, which covers Housing, Non-Housing and Infrastructure (Water, Sewerage, Electricity, Gas, communications, air transport, railways, harbours, roads) Sectors, across 28 Occupation groups. Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce Labour Analysis7 (CLF Sub-region),2023- the number of person years required to produce £1m of output. UK Trade Skills Index (Check-a-Trade), 20248
London Housing Sector Skills Demand9 Sources include: • • • •
CBRE Housing Pipeline10, based on Glenigan Projects Data, 2025. Home Builders Federation11 skills gaps analysis, 2025. Housing Forum, Skills Shortage Report, 202412 London Homes Coalition Skills Plan13, (whose pipeline represents about 10% of the overall construction workforce in London), 2024.
Engineering and building Services Sector Skills Demand (EBSSA Scope definition) Sources include: • • • • • • •
14
Engineering & Building Services Skills Alliance (EBSSA) Skills Plan, 202614: 28% of the Built Environment workforce. [Covers 37 Occupational Groups within EBSSA sectors] Electrical Trades and Installation: Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) skills reports15 Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA)- Lift Careers16 Building Engineers Services Association (BESA17)- Skills Advisory Service18 The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)- Skills Conference May 2026 Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA)- To note only, as they are part of EBSSA CIPHE19 2025-27 Manifesto; Plumbing Employers’ Group; Skills Index20
Individual Sector Body Skills Demand:
Sector Body/ “Occupational Group” Sources Include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Senior, Manager and Supervisor: CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) skills report21 Plant (Mechanics/fitters and Operatives): Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA)22 Building Envelope: Installation Assurance Authority23 Scaffolding: Scaffolding Association with AITS24, NASC25 Skills Report 2026; Lee Marley26 Surveying: RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Surveying Skills report, 2025. 27 Civil Engineering Operatives: Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Report, representing 80% of civil engineering work in the UK28 Civil Engineers: Institute of Civil Engineers29 Floorers: Contract Flooring Association (CFA30) Glaziers: GGF31 Painters and Decorators: Painting and Decorating Association, #Careersincolour Campaign Roofers: National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC), Association of Master Roofers (AMR); Research32, Publications33, State of Industry34 Wood Trades and Interior Fit-out: BWF35, BWF Skills Forum36, Institute to Carpenters (IOC); Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) Skills Board Minutes37 Brick: The Association of Brickwork Contractors (AofBC38), Masonry Association of Great Britain (MAGB), National Masonry Academy39 Steel erectors / structural fabrication: BCSA40
Cross-cutting Sources Include: • Heritage: Historic England Skills Report41, 2024. • Heritage: Historic England, Net Zero Report42, 2023: • Retrofit: Retrofit Skills demand (In line with Warm Homes Plan, Warmer Homes London, National Retrofit Hub) Relevant Intersecting Other Skills Demand:
Competing Skills Demands Sources: • • • •
Data-centres demand43: “Data centre projects require specialist skill sets, especially within project management teams, general contractors and MEP contractors.” Acceleration of electrification/ grid-related electrical demand- National Grid Skills plan, 202544 NISTA Infrastructure Pipeline data, 202645 GLA London Infrastructure Framework46 Action 7 “Cultivate the skills and supply chains to deliver infrastructure” including by setting target by 2028 to “Improve visibility of future demand of the infrastructure pipeline and the skills required to deliver it across the value chain.”
Other Sources: • • •
ONS (Construction workforce trends; Sector workforce trends/ estimations-TBC) GLA Economics (Mapping of green vacancies; Other relevant data) MI data through platforms like Lightcast (TBC)
15
Exclusions: • • •
Water, Sewerage, Electricity, Gas, communications, air transport, railways, harbours and roads additional research (Except for where already included in CITB data, or where relevant to occupational pathway work) Any sector that is primarily delivered by Higher Education- eg. Architecture (No available pathways in the FE Sector) ECITB1 Sectors: Chemicals, Oil and Gas, Food and drink processing, water treatment, power generation, nuclear, renewables, offshore wind, pharmaceuticals hydrogen, carbon capture, as these sectors are out of scope. Note: Government Consultation1 to join ECITB and CITB.
Priority Occupation Lists • • •
Skills Shortage Visa1 Clean Energy Industries Home Building
References:
1 2 3 4 5 6
p. 38-41)
As per https://www.citb.co.uk/cwo/reports/cwo_explained.pdf Skilled Worker visa: temporary shortage list - GOV.UK LSIP sector skills analysis (2025) - London Datastore https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-temporary-shortage-list/skilled-worker-visa-temporary-shortage-list https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/assessment-of-priority-skills-to-2030 Construction Workforce Outlook, Labour Market Intelligence Report 2025–2029, England, CITB and Oxford Economics [Greater London,
7
Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce Labour Analysis; Annex: skills-for-a-sustainable-skyline-taskforce-labour-analysis-technical-
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Trade Skills Index 2024, Check-a-Trade Report.
annex.pdf
As per DLUHC definition of Net Additional housing, including new housing and conversions etc. London Borough by Borough 2025, CBRE Residential UK, 2025, Housing Pipeline data, p.8. A Hard Hat to Fill, Home Builders Federation, 2025 (Skills estimates per 10,000 additional homes) THF-FN-Skills-Shortage-Report-September-2024.pdf LONDON HOMES COALITION
“E&BS covers the design, installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair of systems essential to building/ infrastructure performance and safety. These include: Electrical power and lighting Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) Plumbing and water systems Fire detection and suppression Security and access control Building controls and automation Thermal insulation Lifts, escalators and specialist mechanical systems Network cabling and digital infrastructure” Source: FINAL: EBSSA Sector Skills Plan
15
Skills for the Future; Recharging Electrical Skills Charter 2023, Electrical Skills Index 2026 (Apprenticeship starts 23/24, Course Enrolments 23/24, overall ranking out of 543); ECA-LSIP-Report-Summary.pdf; ECA-Blueprint-Report_0425.pdf
16 17 18 19 20 21 16
https://liftcareers.co.uk/ Skills & Training Hub | BESA Skills Advisory Service | BESA Academy | BESA ciphe.org.uk/campaigns/our-2025-2027-manifesto/ Demand for plumbers set to soar as trade sector vacancies hit record highs Mind the Gap Future skills mapping, CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building), 2024.
22
Skills & Employment Toolkit - Construction Plant‑hire Association (CPA) | UK Plant‑Hire Industry Leader; Most Recent plant hire skills report (2017); Half-Built Britain: Unlocking the nation’s infrastructure growth plans
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42
Career Pathways | IAA CS - The Installation Assurance Authority Commercial Services AITS – Scaffolding Association Training NASC warns of major scaffolding skills gap Consultations with Sara Calvo, Scaffold Training Manager, Lee Marley, March 2026. Surveying skills report 2025: an exploration of skills shortages in the surveying profession The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA); Skilled Ground Worker Shortage in UK Construction The Institution of Civil Engineers Future Fitters Campaign Training HUB; GGF Skilled Pathways Scheme NFRC NFRC Future (P)roof Research (Full) NFRC Roofing Sector Voices Shape Key Small Business Reform Recommendations NFRC State of Roofing Industry Report–Spring 2025 Available Now British Woodworking Federation BWF WITForum | Skills & Training by the BWF Woodworking Forum Skills Board - FIS Skills & Education – Association of Brickwork Contractors; Membership has over 200 apprentices per year National Masonry Academy Careers in Constructional Steelwork | BCSA Skills Needs Analysis, 2024
Delivering Net Zero for England’s Historic Buildings: Local Data on the Demand for Retrofitting Skills and Economic Growth | Historic England
43
“The UK’s data centre market growth is driven by the increasing demand for AI and cloud computing. The current DC capacity stands at approximately 1.7 GW, with projections indicating a rise to 4 GW across 21.5 million sq. ft. in the coming years. London leads the upcoming data centre market in the UK with over 60% of the total power capacity.”; DC Construction Bottlenecks;
44 45 46 47 48 49
National Grid Skills Plan 2025 Skills, Skills Pipeline Data, NISTA, 2026. And https://pipeline.nista.grid.civilservice.gov.uk/assets/skills_methodology.pdf London Infrastructure Framework | London City Hall Labour Forecasting Tool - ECITB Government launches consultation on ECITB and CITB forming a single body Skilled Worker visa: temporary shortage list - GOV.UK
17
Published October 2026
New City College - Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) Building Greater London’s construction workforce of the future ncclondon.ac.uk