Booking is now open for Open Doors 2025, run by Build UK in partnership with CITB and CSCS, which will see construction organisations across the country hosting pre-booked tours of their sites and other workplaces – including 52 in the capital – between March 17 and 22 to promote careers in construction to young people and those seeking a change of career.
It comes as the industry needs to recruit 50,000 new workers each year to meet demand for housing, infrastructure and maintenance, according to a Construction Skills Network report.
London-based construction projects that are now taking bookings for tours include the development of EDGE London Bridge – which is aiming to become the most sustainable office tower in London, with facades that balance light and shade to avoid unwanted thermal gains and losses; as well underground ventilation and a green rooftop terrace.
Other projects offering tours include the £600m redevelopment of the Olympia Exhibition Centre, including the creation of a 4,000 seater music venue and 1,500 capacity theatre, alongside two new hotels and retail outlets.
The redevelopment of New Covent Garden Market is also hosting tours, as is Canary Wharf’s new neighbourhood - Wood Wharf - that will eventually provide up to 3,600 new homes, 2 million sq ft of office space, and 500 sq ft of shops, restaurants and community space.
Julie White, Chair of Build UK, said: “Open Doors brings to life an industry that offers a career for everyone – whether that is on site or behind the scenes in an office-based role.
“Never has this type of initiative been more important to help meet the Government’s commitment to ‘Get Britain Building’, after the Chancellor recently unveiled further plans for investment in the country’s infrastructure that firmly puts construction at the heart of kickstarting economic growth.
“While the tours themselves provide intriguing backdrops to explore the range of roles available, they are also a unique opportunity to talk to construction leaders and apprentices about their route into the industry.
“Nearly 90 per cent of visitors that attended an Open Doors event last year said they were more likely to consider a career in construction following their visit, so I’d urge everyone to book onto an event now and find out just what construction has to offer.”
For more information about Open Doors, and to book on to one of the free tours in London, visit opendoors.construction