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 £1 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 £53,000 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.”