The real estate, construction, and surveying industries face a growing skills gap. An ageing workforce and low awareness of career opportunities are limiting industry growth. To meet future demand, we must inspire the next generation and support career changers looking to enter the profession.
The Growing Skills Shortage in Surveying
The demand for skilled surveyors continues to rise. However, a shortage of trained professionals is slowing progress. The latest industry reports indicate that 44% of construction firms struggle with labour shortages. This impacts project timelines and the UK government’s goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes. Meanwhile, workforce projections estimate the UK will need over 225,000 additional workers by 2027 to meet sector demands.
This challenge extends beyond the UK. International surveys reveal that nearly 80% of global real estate markets cite skills shortages as a concern. Addressing this issue requires attracting new talent while ensuring existing professionals keep pace with industry advancements.
Addressing the Skills Gap
Beyond increasing recruitment, we must also focus on upskilling. Recent studies highlight that technological change, economic uncertainty, and the shift to greener construction practices are reshaping the job market. Reports suggest that nearly 60% of workers require upskilling or reskilling to remain competitive.
Industry experts have long recognised these challenges. A decade ago, research identified key drivers of industry change, while subsequent reports further explored the impact of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and urbanisation. These factors continue to influence the skills needed in modern surveying.
Key Challenges in Attracting New Talent
Several barriers prevent more people from entering the industry:
Limited awareness: Career pathways in surveying are under-represented in schools and colleges.
Perception issues: The sector is often seen as technical and inaccessible, particularly for under-represented groups.
Career changers: Many professionals lack support when transitioning into surveying from other fields or after career breaks.
How We Can Bridge the Gap
At Focus Consulting, we believe collaboration and education are key to addressing the skills shortage. We support industry-wide efforts to:
- Partner with universities to align curricula with industry needs, integrating digital transformation, sustainability, and risk assessment skills.
- Promote career opportunities through real-world case studies from diverse professionals.
- Engage students early through school outreach, workshops, and mentoring.
- Provide hands-on experience through internships, placements, and apprenticeship programmes.
- Advocate for industry recognition by working with professional bodies and government stakeholders.
Securing the Future of Surveying
As the industry evolves, standards and qualifications must adapt. Updates to valuation and construction standards help ensure professionals remain well-equipped to meet modern challenges. Ongoing reviews of qualification pathways aim to make professional accreditation more accessible without compromising high standards.
At Focus Consulting, we are committed to developing the next generation of surveyors. By promoting awareness, enhancing training opportunities, and supporting career changers, we can help close the skills gap and secure the future of our profession.
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