Structural shifts: Trends shaping Infrastructure and Civil Engineering
As businesses navigate a rapidly changing global landscape, the Procurement and Supply Chain sectors are facing unprecedented transformation. From the ripple effects of geopolitical shifts to the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, leaders must remain agile and forward-thinking. At Investigo, we understand that staying ahead of the curve requires expert insight. Lewis Douglas, Building Services Director at Investigo, shares his perspective on three key areas shaping the future of these sectors.
In the first part of this series, we spotlight Infrastructure and Civil Engineering, an area undergoing major growth and disruption.
Market overview: Demand, talent, and transformation
The UK construction sector is experiencing a critical talent shortfall, with an estimated 251,500 additional workers needed by 2028 to meet industry demands. This challenge is even more pronounced in civil engineering, where the workforce has declined from 2.6 million in 2008 to just over 2.1 million by the end of 2023. Compounding the issue is an aging workforce, intensifying the urgency for fresh talent and upskilling.
Several high-profile infrastructure projects are propelling the industry forward. ScottishPower’s £5 billion initiative to upgrade the electricity network is set to create thousands of jobs, including 1,000 new roles in the next year alone. Meanwhile, transformational projects such as the £58 billion high-voltage transmission network and the £9 billion Lower Thames Crossing are reshaping the country’s civil engineering demands.
Evolving skillsets in a modern market
The rise of large-scale projects has sparked a surge in demand for specialised roles. Civil engineers with expertise in transportation, infrastructure, and structural design are at the top of the list. There's also significant demand for electrical and mechanical engineers, particularly those focused on power systems, renewable energy, manufacturing, and automation. Quantity surveyors with strong capabilities in cost estimation and contract management are vital to keeping projects on time and within budget. Additionally, Building Information Modelling (BIM) specialists are becoming increasingly important, as digital construction tools take centre stage in modern infrastructure planning and execution.
Regional hotspots driving workforce needs
Workforce demand varies widely across the UK. In South West England, projects such as the £25 billion Hinkley Point C nuclear new build are expected to create a need for 42,400 additional workers by 2028. Greater London, with its £8 billion Thamesmead redevelopment, anticipates requiring 26,500 more professionals. In the North West, regeneration plans like the £1 billion Bolton Town Centre masterplan are forecast to drive demand for 23,850 additional workers.
Challenges and considerations
Despite the positive momentum, significant challenges remain. The UK’s ambition to decarbonise its electricity grid by 2030 demands an influx of 10,000 skilled workers annually - a goal that may be difficult to achieve given the current skills gap. Furthermore, regional disparities could hinder progress, with concerns mounting about a "brain drain" from northern areas to better-funded southern projects.
Looking ahead
With robust pipelines and game-changing projects on the horizon, the UK’s infrastructure and civil engineering sectors are brimming with opportunity. But to fully capitalise on this growth, businesses must address talent shortages and ensure a balanced regional approach. Those who can attract, retain, and develop the right expertise will be best positioned to lead the way.
Next steps
In the next part of this series, Lewis will turn his focus to the Property and Construction markets. If you're looking to future-proof your Procurement or Supply Chain function, whether through strategic workforce planning or reducing operational barriers, now is the time to act.
