CITB highlights rise in women entering construction apprenticeships

By Danny BallPublished On: April 16th, 2026Categories: Top Stories

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is calling for more women to consider careers in construction, as new data shows a steady increase in female participation in apprenticeships across the sector.

Figures released by CITB, based on data from the Department for Education, show that the number of women starting construction apprenticeships has risen from 1,450 in 2018 to 2,410 in 2025.

The data also highlights an increase in the number of women completing construction apprenticeships, rising from 340 in 2018 to 910 in 2025.

While the upward trend reflects progress in attracting more women into the industry, CITB said further action is needed to support retention and long-term career progression.

Skills gap and diversity remain key industry challenges

The construction sector continues to face significant workforce demand, with CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook estimating that an additional 47,000 workers will be required each year to meet industry needs.

Alongside this, there is increasing focus on improving diversity within the workforce, with industry bodies and policymakers identifying gender inclusion as a key factor in addressing skills shortages.

Recent findings from the Women and Work All-Party Parliamentary Group have also highlighted the need for targeted strategies to remove barriers preventing women from entering construction roles.

CITB continues to fund training programmes and work placements through initiatives such as Onsite Experience hubs, which aim to create local talent pipelines and provide pathways into employment.

As part of this approach, CITB has worked with The Skills Centre to deliver training and engagement activities, with 182 women supported into construction roles through its Onsite Experience hub programme.

CITB calls for improved retention and inclusive workplace culture

Deb Madden, Executive Director, Customer Engagement and Operations at CITB, said: “It’s really encouraging to see the continued increase of women starting and completing construction apprenticeships.

“It’s important that, as an industry, we retain these women and ensure their apprenticeships translate into long-term, secure job opportunities.

“Across the industry, we need to establish a culture that ensures it seeks to understand and meet the needs of people of all backgrounds. We need employers to establish clear and accessible pathways for a diverse range of candidates to learn and progress, making it more attractive for them to stay in the industry, and ensure all employees have a good work-life balance.”

CITB said the increase in female apprenticeship participation represents positive momentum for the sector, but emphasised that sustained progress will depend on continued collaboration between employers, training providers and policymakers.

Efforts to improve access, support career progression and create inclusive working environments are expected to play a central role in addressing both the gender imbalance and wider skills gap across the UK construction industry.