How to Secure Construction Talent in a Tightening Labour Market

Lucy Billing • 19 January 2026

If you are finding it harder than ever to secure skilled construction talent, you are not alone. Across Europe, businesses are facing unprecedented competition for workers as infrastructure programmes accelerate, housing targets intensify, and specialist projects multiply, all while labour shortages deepen and your workforce ages.



The Current Landscape

Construction jobs are surging due to government investment in housing and infrastructure, chronic labour shortages, and the reality that the industry cannot be automated. As one expert put it, construction operates in the "un-promotable physical world" where skilled human labour remains essential. Construction projects require skilled workers but finding them is becoming increasingly challenging.



What’s Driving Demand

Recent analysis from LinkedIn reveals a sector-wide uptick in construction jobs, driven by three key factors: government prioritisation of housing and infrastructure, chronic labour shortages, and growing perception of the industry as recession-resistant.


Roles ranging from project managers to safety engineers are expanding as investment pours into three main areas:


  • Infrastructure Investment: Governments are committing resources to transport upgrades, energy transitions, and civic projects, all ramping up throughout 2026 and beyond.


  • Housing Activity: Pent-up demand and national housing targets across the UK and EU continue driving residential construction, particularly where public-private funding aligns.


  • Specialist Projects: Data centres, energy installations, and M&E works are creating targeted spikes in demand for commissioning engineers and digital methods specialists.


Most In-Demand Skills

The roles seeing the highest demand include:


  • Skilled Trades: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and plant operators remain in exceptionally high demand across all experience levels.


  • Project Leadership: Site managers and engineers with experience in large, complex programmes are commanding premium salaries for their ability to integrate safety, quality, timelines, and costs.


  • Digital Specialists: Expertise in BIM, drones, modular construction, and off-site fabrication is among the fastest-growing skill areas as firms bridge productivity gaps.


  • Multidisciplinary Managers: Professionals who can connect, design, cost, risk, and execute seamlessly are increasingly valued.



Key Challenges Facing the Sector

Retirement and demographic shifts mean a substantial proportion of the workforce will exit by the end of the decade. Regional imbalances can impact project delivery timelines.



How to Secure Talent for Q1

  • Plan Ahead: With multiple projects competing for the same talent pool, early engagement with recruitment partners can improve placement success rates.


  • Invest in Development: Apprenticeships and internal training programmes help build sustainable talent pipelines while improving retention.


  • Communicate Clearly: Transparent, competitive packages alongside clear career pathways help attract skilled trades in a competitive market.


  • Highlight Future Skills: Positioning roles around digital capabilities like BIM can appeal to tech-oriented talent entering the industry.


  • Leverage Local Networks: Partnerships with training providers and government workforce programmes can create targeted recruitment channels.



Looking Ahead

While 2026 will bring strong demand for construction labour, that demand is shifting toward specialisation, leadership, and adaptability. Firms that build proactive hiring strategies and invest in continuous skill development will be better positioned to secure the talent they need.


In an industry defined by physical outcomes, skilled people remain the foundation of success.


Planning your construction workforce for 2026? We are here to help.



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