How You Can Inspire the Next Generation of Construction Professionals

In recent years, the construction industry has faced a growing challenge: an aging workforce and fewer young people choosing to pursue careers in this vital and dynamic sector.

We’re talking about bright, capable, creative young minds — students full of potential. And yet, many of them have never heard much about our industry beyond the usual stereotypes of high-vis vests and muddy boots. They don’t know about cost planning or quantity surveying or BIM modelling and Digital Twin. They’ve never imagined themselves designing the buildings they walk through, managing multimillion-dollar projects, or using cutting-edge technology to shape the cities of tomorrow.

And honestly? That’s not their fault.

It’s ours — as an industry, we’ve been so focused on getting the job done, on keeping our heads down and meeting deadlines, that we’ve forgotten to look up and share our stories.

I’ve come to realise that exposure is everything. It only takes one talk, one site visit, one hands-on experience to spark something. To plant that seed that says, “Hey, you could do this too.”

But here’s the problem: so many young people never get that spark. They don’t have parents, teachers, or role models in the industry. No one tells them about the career paths they can pursue in construction. And as a result, those paths remain invisible.

And invisibility is one of the biggest barriers to diversity and growth in our sector.

Some students don’t choose a career path simply because they never knew it existed.

Whether you’re a quantity surveyor, a project manager, a carpenter, an architect, a CEO, or a third-year apprentice — if you’re part of the built environment, you have something powerful to offer: You. That's right, the unique and amazing you.

Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. Talk to the young people in your life

Whether it’s your own kids, nieces or nephews, or the neighbour’s teenager — ask them what they know about the construction industry. If the answer is “not much,” share your experience. Let them know the kind of work you do, what excites you about it, and the paths you took to get here. You might be surprised how many are eager to learn.

2. Bring students on-site or into your workplace

Many of us work in environments that students rarely get the chance to see. Opening that door — whether literally through site visits or figuratively through conversations — can help demystify the construction industry and spark genuine interest. Invite your company to host an open day, or volunteer to speak at a local school or polytechnic. You never know whose future you might shape with just one visit.

Unlike other well-known professions — like lawyers, doctors, or firefighters — we don’t have TV shows or movies that showcase the excitement, complexity, and impact of what we do. I hope one day we will. But until then, we each have the chance to be the hero in our own story — to share our journey, represent our field, and inspire the next generation by simply showing up and opening the door.

3. Champion diversity in who we bring along

When we bring young people into our industry, let’s make sure they see someone who looks like them, talks like them, or comes from a background they can relate to. Representation matters. It’s hard to imagine being something you’ve never seen.

4. Harnessing Technology to Attract Youth

With technology playing an ever-increasing role in our lives, adapting our approaches to engage young audiences is crucial. Using platforms like social media, podcasts, and video content can generate interest in construction careers.

Spotlighting young professionals through virtual interviews or YouTube series can effectively share personal stories and insights about the construction industry. When current professionals highlight their experiences online, they can inspire a new wave of talent to enter the field.

Final Words

There’s a world of opportunity in construction, but many young people simply don’t know it’s there. If we want to build a stronger, more diverse, and more future-ready industry, we must take responsibility for telling our story better. Exposure, representation, and human connection can change the course of a young person’s life. Let’s be intentional about opening doors — in classrooms, on sites, and online — and show the next generation just how exciting, innovative, and rewarding our industry truly is.

Because sometimes, all it takes is for someone to say:

“Hey, have you ever thought about working in construction?”