Closing the construction skills gap: Building the workforce of tomorrow

By Roly Ward, Head of Business Development, MEDITE SMARTPLY.

The UK construction industry is facing a defining challenge. Ambitious housing targets, the transition to low-carbon buildings and the increasing use of modern methods of construction all point towards a sector in transformation.

Yet, according to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the workforce required to deliver this future is not currently in place. Between 2025 and 2029, the industry will need to recruit an estimated 239,300 additional workers – the equivalent of almost 48,000 people every year. Without this influx of skills, progress on housing delivery could stall.

Roly Ward, Head of Business Development, MEDITE SMARTPLY

What the industry is telling us

Last year, MEDITE SMARTPLY partnered with the Structural Timber Association (STA) to better understand the pressures facing the UK timber sector. The findings were stark: 73% of UK respondents reported experiencing skilled labour shortages. Many also expressed concern about attracting new entrants, the availability of apprenticeships, local training pathways and the long-term viability of the workforce.

The survey highlighted a growing disconnect between policy ambition and on-the-ground capability. While demand for timber systems continues to rise – driven by housing targets and the push for low-carbon construction – the pool of skilled workers able to deliver these systems is shrinking. An ageing workforce, coupled with lingering misconceptions about careers in construction and manufacturing, is making it increasingly difficult to bridge that gap.

Why the skills gap matters

The implications extend far beyond individual businesses. The UK’s commitment to building 1.5 million new homes, alongside the implementation of the Future Homes Standard, will require faster, more efficient and more technically demanding construction processes. Timber systems are well placed to meet these needs, but only if there is sufficient expertise across the supply chain – from design and engineering through to manufacturing and installation.

At the same time, younger generations are seeking careers that align with their values. Sustainability, innovation and long-term purpose matter. Timber construction offers all three, but the industry must do more to communicate that message and provide clear, accessible routes into skilled roles.

Turning challenge into opportunity

At MEDITE SMARTPLY, we believe the solution lies in collaboration – between manufacturers, educators, industry bodies and policymakers. Closing the skills gap requires more than recruitment drives; it demands sustained investment in education, hands-on learning and real-world exposure to modern timber technologies.

One example is our involvement in the Institute of Carpenters’ (IOC) Timber Industry College Hub programme. In March 2025, Exeter College hosted the final event in this nationwide initiative, bringing together students, educators, industry leaders and aspiring carpenters and joiners. The event was attended by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester, Royal Patron of the IOC, highlighting the importance of preparing the next generation for careers in carpentry and joinery.

The programme focused on practical learning and industry insight. Students took part in workshops, demonstrations and mentoring sessions, gaining first-hand exposure to modern timber technologies, sustainable forestry and evolving career pathways. MEDITE SMARTPLY contributed by sharing expertise on MDF and OSB production, along with the role engineered wood panels play in contemporary construction. Crucially, the event helped bridge the gap between education and employment, giving students direct access to potential employers and mentors.

Learning through making

Skills development isn’t limited to traditional construction pathways. In the Netherlands, MEDITE SMARTPLY has partnered with SintLucas, a leading creative vocational school, on a series of practical design projects. Students are challenged to design and build outdoor installations using MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME, working with real briefs and real end users – in this case, residents of the Vitalis Brunswijck care complex.

These projects introduce students to durable, low-carbon materials while encouraging creative thinking and social impact. By working with wood-based panels early in their education, students develop a deeper understanding of sustainability, material performance and future-proof design – skills that are increasingly valuable across architecture, construction and design disciplines.

Investing in the future workforce

MEDITE SMARTPLY is also supporting higher education through a €250,000 donation to TU Dublin, helping to establish the new Design + Construct centre. The facility will focus on collaborative, multidisciplinary learning across architecture, engineering and construction, with an emphasis on off-site and modular construction, as well as near-zero energy buildings.

The SMARTPLY Hub within the centre will give students hands-on access to modern timber technologies, supporting research, innovation and applied learning. Initiatives like this are critical to ensuring graduates leave education with the skills, confidence and mindset needed to support the next phase of construction – one defined by low-carbon design, modern methods of construction and long-term performance.

Building what comes next

The scale of the skills challenge facing construction shouldn’t be underestimated, but neither should the opportunity it presents. By investing in people, promoting collaboration and showcasing the timber sector as a modern, innovative career pathway, the industry can turn today’s labour shortage into tomorrow’s competitive advantage.

Building the next generation is about more than filling vacancies; it’s about creating a workforce ready to deliver sustainable, high-quality buildings at scale and ensuring that timber, and the people behind it, are central to that future.

About MEDITE SMARTPLY

MEDITE SMARTPLY is part of Coillte, an innovative, sustainably certified Irish forestry and forest products manufacturer. Based in Clonmel and Waterford, Ireland, MEDITE SMARTPLY produces a versatile range of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) building products.

For further information, see www.mdfosb.com.