Construction and built environment
Construction is one of the country's biggest and most varied sectors. It's also one of Scotland's key industries for meeting green targets.
What impact could you make?
In years to come, you can look back and say you were part of that process that formed the towns and cities around you and the people you know.Daniel Building Standards Team Manager, City of Edinburgh Council
Construction and built environment at a glance
Construction is one of Scotland’s growing industries. There are always new and exciting ways of working, including digital tools, SMART buildings and using data in clever ways. These new ways of working mean construction contributes towards a greener society.
Employment
In 2024, there were around 201,800 people employed in Scotland.
Job availability
Between 2024 and 2027, it's expected there will be 22,000 people needed to fill job openings in Scotland.
Job diversity
The Scottish construction industry has set up an action plan to improve diversity. It includes providing high-quality and fair work for everybody working in the sector.
Create and build a greener society
We’ve pulled out some popular construction job profiles for you to explore.
Things you may not know about construction and built environment
Green building design is helping the planet by using solar panels, wind turbines, green roofs, recycled materials and low-carbon concrete.
Source: Zero Waste Scotland
It took 23,000 miles of cable to create the Queensferry Crossing – that's enough to stretch across the planet!
Source: Transport Scotland
You could use Virtual Reality (VR) tools in your construction career. It’s expected the use of digital tools will grow across the industry.
Source: Draw and Code
What subjects you could take in school
We've pulled together some examples of subjects and Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) that could be useful for getting into a construction and built environment career.
English
Civil Engineering FA
computing and IT
design and manufacture
maths
science
design
Organisations making a difference
Discover some of the organisations within construction and built environment and how they’re making an impact in the industry.
Go Construct
Go Construct provides resources for anyone looking to build a career in the construction and built environment sector.
Visit Go Construct
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Learn more about careers as a chartered surveyor. Using the latest technologies and data management tools, you'd provide solutions to issues like climate change, migration and urbanisation.
Visit Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Construction Industry Training Board
Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) works to support the skills needed in the industry. They promote training which helps build a safe, professional and fully qualified workforce.
Visit CITB
Developing the Young Workforce
Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) will signpost to their key partners. This makes it easy for you to get the help and guidance you need to consider your next steps in construction.
Visit DYW