Taking visitors behind the scenes of construction: CITB promotes booking for Open Doors 2026
CITB continues its partnership with Open Doors as part of its commitment around new entrants and bridging the construction skills gap
A career in construction provides lifelong opportunities to learn and higher than average salaries, and people interested in joining the industry are now able to book to attend Open Doors 2026, which returns from Monday 23 to Saturday 28 March. The popular event, delivered by Build UK in partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and CSCS, sees construction firms across the country welcome visitors onto sites and other workplaces to experience what a career in construction has to offer.
In 2025, Open Doors saw over 7,000 visitors across more than 260 events, and this year once again, Open Doors will be offering a unique opportunity for young people and those looking for a change of career to go behind the scenes of live construction sites, manufacturing facilities, offices, and training centres across the UK. People attending Open Doors can learn about a career in construction through site tours and Q&A sessions with construction professionals and, in some cases, interactive experiences.
CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook forecasts over 47,000 extra construction workers are needed in the UK each year by 2029, demonstrating the opportunities available for people to join the industry. Events like Open Doors help showcase the wide array of roles available in construction, and with Government figures showing there are 946,000 people aged 16-24 years old not in education, employment or training, there is a clear opportunity to attract more people into the industry.
Construction can be a lucrative and diverse career, with more than 180 occupations to choose from on site or office based. With over 100 different construction apprenticeships available, there’s something for everyone. There is high demand for construction workers, meaning those considering joining the industry can have confidence in opportunities being available for decades to come.
With 88% of visitors that attended an Open Doors event last year stating they would be more likely to consider a career in construction afterwards, CITB and all the partner organisations are encouraging people to book a place and attend.
Deb Madden, Executive Director for Customer Engagement and Operations, CITB said:
“Open Doors showcases the wide range of skills and opportunities on offer in construction. There’s nothing else like it, and it is an excellent example of how the industry comes together, demonstrating the benefits of a career in construction.
“I can’t recommend it enough for people interested in joining the industry, changing careers, or generally looking for work. There are opportunities for everyone.
“For employers, this is a great opportunity to showcase what you have to offer for new entrants. It’s not too late to register your sites and participate in the event and encourage people and other employers to attend and inspire the next generation.”
Tamsin Parkes, Open Doors Project Manager, Build UK said:
“Open Doors gives young people and those considering a career in construction a unique opportunity to see the industry in action and speak to the people working in it by visiting live sites and workplaces that they would not usually have access to.
“Over the years, we have seen how Open Doors has helped influence careers across construction, and it is a privilege to play a part in helping someone to take their first step into the industry.”
CITB continues to partner with Open Doors, something it has done for over ten years, as part of its commitment around new entrants and bridging the skills gap. This year all three of CITB’s National Construction College (NCC) sites at Bircham Newton, Erith and Inchinnan will be opening their doors, with Go Construct offering ongoing support to those looking for information about how to start a career in construction.
Visitor booking is now open, and for more information or to secure your free place, go to: opendoors.construction
Employers can still register to host Open Doors 2026 events until Saturday 28 February, and further guidance is available here.