Half of British Parents Shun Construction Careers Despite Big Paychecks

August 28, 2025 06:49 AM
Parents remain hesitant about construction careers

Parents remain hesitant about construction careers, even though government figures reveal that industry salaries surpass the UK average, according to This is Money.

A survey by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) found that fewer than half of UK parents would encourage their children to pursue a career in building.

The potential earnings are even greater for those running their own businesses, with FMB member firms reporting average annual turnovers of more than ÂŁ1 million.

Chris Carr, the organisation’s national president, emphasised that construction provides young people with a stable, well-paid career path without the financial burden of student loans.

The report further highlighted that construction workers avoid the average ÂŁ53,000 student debt, which is typically repaid through salary deductions.

Meanwhile, job opportunities in construction rose by almost 8% in the first half of this year.

Lee Biggins, CEO of CV Library, added: “For people considering a career switch, construction is one of the few sectors experiencing strong investment and a surge in demand. Many roles are resistant to automation, offering greater long-term job security.”