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The UK construction sector has seen its first rise in apprenticeship starts since 2021/22, according to new research highlighted by Nationwide Sureties. While the increase offers a positive sign for the industry, concerns remain over whether apprenticeship growth is happening quickly enough to address long-term labour shortages and future construction demand.
New analysis from Protrade’s “State of Construction Apprenticeships in 2026” report found that 24,590 new apprentices joined the construction sector during 2024/25, compared with 24,230 the previous year. The 1.5% increase reverses two years of decline and suggests apprenticeship numbers may finally be stabilising following the disruption caused by the pandemic and wider economic pressures.
However, despite the improvement, the figures remain well below what the industry requires. According to estimates from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the sector needs approximately 48,000 new workers every year to support housing delivery, infrastructure projects and wider economic growth. Current apprenticeship numbers are therefore still meeting only around half of annual workforce demand.
One of the strongest areas of growth has been female participation. The report found that 2,630 women started construction apprenticeships during 2024/25, representing a 9% increase on the previous year and the highest figure recorded to date. Women now account for 10.7% of all new construction apprentices, continuing a gradual upward trend across the sector.
The increase reflects changing attitudes towards careers in construction and growing efforts to improve diversity within the industry. Protrade’s analysis noted that recent apprenticeship growth has been driven largely by improved female participation rather than broader increases across all demographics.
Ethnic diversity also improved significantly, with apprenticeship starts among people from ethnic minority backgrounds rising by 18% year-on-year to 2,270 entrants. This figure is almost double the level recorded in 2018/19, highlighting continued progress in widening access to construction careers.
Regionally, apprenticeship activity remained uneven across the UK. The North West recorded the highest number of apprenticeship starts with 4,240 new entrants, while the East Midlands saw the strongest rate of growth at 8%. London, despite modest improvement, continued to rank among the lowest regions for construction apprenticeship uptake.
While the latest figures are encouraging, the report also identified several ongoing concerns. Recruitment among younger age groups, particularly 16 and 17-year-olds, has remained flat or declined. With the construction workforce continuing to age, this creates long-term concerns around future labour availability and skills retention.
Small and medium-sized businesses, which make up a large proportion of the UK construction sector, also continue to face challenges when taking on apprentices. Costs, administrative burdens and training commitments remain key barriers for many employers.
Protrade joint managing director Craig Sanders said the industry must continue improving support for SMEs while also doing more to engage younger people considering future career options. He suggested that simplifying apprenticeship processes and increasing incentives for employers could help encourage greater participation across the sector.
The report also highlighted the importance of promoting construction as a modern and future-focused industry. With growing demand for green skills linked to retrofit projects, insulation, renewable technologies and heat pump installation, construction businesses are increasingly looking for workers capable of supporting the UK’s wider sustainability goals.
For Nationwide Sureties, the findings underline the importance of continued investment in skills development across the construction sector. While the latest increase in apprenticeship numbers marks a positive step, further action will be needed to ensure the industry can meet future workforce demands and support the delivery of major housing and infrastructure projects across the UK.
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