Episode Details

Construction Disrupted Episode 108 - Gamification of Construction (25.03.26)

In this episode we're going youthful, exploring how the next generation is shaping the future of construction, from leveraging gaming skills to government initiatives and promising data on the industry’s age profile. Let's all drink from the fountain of construction youth.

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The Next Generation’s Gaming Skills Can Help Shape Modern Construction

Gaming isn’t just a pastime—it’s a training ground for the future of construction. According to Louisa Finlay, COO and Chief People Officer at Kier, the skills honed through gaming, such as spatial awareness, 3D worldbuilding, teamwork, problem-solving, and risk assessment, are directly transferable to modern construction practices like digital construction, BIM, project planning, and 3D modeling.

During Open Doors Week (March 23–28), Kier aims to show young people how their digital hobbies can translate into fulfilling careers in construction. With the industry increasingly embracing technology and data-driven solutions, gaming enthusiasts already possess many of the skills needed to thrive in this evolving field.

Kier’s “naturally digital” initiative highlights the importance of embedding digital thinking into the culture of construction, making it second nature for professionals.

Open Doors Week provides a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation by showcasing how their passions can align with the industry’s needs.

Construction Industry Welcomes Young Employment Drive

The UK government has launched a major initiative to create 200,000 new jobs and apprenticeships for young people in the construction industry, backed by £1 billion in funding.

This move aims to address the alarming rise in youth unemployment, which increased by 37% between 2021 and 2024.

Key measures include:

1. A £3,000 grant for businesses hiring young people aged 18–24 who have been on Universal Credit and unemployed for at least six months.
2. This is expected to create 60,000 jobs over three years.
3. Expanding the Jobs Guarantee to include 18–24-year-olds, creating 35,000 subsidized jobs.
4. Introducing an Apprenticeship Incentive, offering SME businesses £2,000 for each new employee aged 16–24, potentially generating 50,000 jobs.

Industry leaders, including the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), have welcomed the initiative.

FMB CEO Brian Berry emphasized the importance of employer-led preparation, meaningful work experience, and ongoing support to ensure the success of these programs.

With proper implementation, this initiative could significantly reduce youth unemployment and address the construction industry’s skills gap.

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