Careers in Construction: Navigating Recruitment in a Fluctuating Market - Glenigan Review Insights 


The construction industry is experiencing significant shifts, driven by economic factors, material costs, and evolving client needs; all having a huge impact on careers in construction. At Atkins Search, we’re dedicated to providing specialist recruitment solutions for construction professionals, job seekers and employers. Our analysis of the latest Glenigan Construction Review offers crucial insights into the current UK construction landscape and future trends. 

Key Takeaways from the Glenigan Construction Review 

Project Starts and Market Outlook 

The Glenigan February 2025 Review reveals a 19% drop in total project start value for the first three months of 2025, January – March. This decline primarily stems from fewer major projects breaking ground. However, there’s growth in underlying project starts, particularly in private housing, though not enough to offset the overall drop. 

For recruitment, this means increased competition for available roles. Job seekers should focus on upskilling and networking to stand out, read our tips on upskilling here. Clients need to offer competitive packages and highlight their company culture to attract top talent in this competitive market, explore ways you to empower your teams here. 

For construction job seekers, this translates to increased competition for available careers in construction. To stand out, candidates should focus on: 

  • Upskilling in emerging construction technologies 
  • Networking within the industry 
  • Highlighting specialised skills in high-demand areas 

Employers need to offer competitive compensation packages and emphasise their company culture to attract top construction talent in this competitive market. 

Private Housing Sector Resilience 

Private housing market activity has stabilised in the latter half of 2024, with forecasts predicting a 13% increase in 2025 and a further 15% in 2026. This sustained activity creates ongoing demand for site managers, quantity surveyors, building surveyors and project managers with residential experience. If you’re a professional in this sector and want to achieve a career in construction, we encourage you to update your CV and connect with our specialist consultants. 

This sustained growth creates ongoing demand for: 

In order to attain a career in construction, construction professionals in this sector should update their CVs and connect with specialist recruiters to explore new opportunities. 

Infrastructure Projects and Economic Outlook 

Despite some project cancellations, engineering project-starts have rebounded strongly, up 26% after a 6% decline in 2023. This resilience in infrastructure projects signals a need for civil engineers, project managers with infrastructure experience, alongside mechanical and electrical estimators. Atkins Search is dedicated to connecting skilled professionals with these large-scale opportunities. 

This resilience in infrastructure projects indicates a growing need for: 

Atkins Search specialises in connecting skilled professionals with these large-scale infrastructure opportunities. 

Regional Variations and Growth Forecasts 

Glenigan forecasts a 5% rise in sector activity in 2025, followed by a 7% increase in 2026. Understanding regional nuances is crucial, as some areas are outperforming others, these being the East and West Midlands. Our consultants specialise in different UK regions, ensuring we have in-depth knowledge of local market conditions to provide tailored recruitment solutions to help you obtain a career in construction. 

Careers in Construction: Recruitment Strategies for 2025 

At Atkins Search, we leverage these insights to: 

  1. Advise construction employers on effective talent acquisition strategies 
  2. Support candidates in their construction career development 
  3. Anticipate future construction recruitment trends 

Building Careers In Construction 

Staying informed about industry trends is crucial for success in the construction sector and future careers in construction. Whether you’re looking to advance your construction career or build a skilled team, Atkins Search is your partner in navigating the complexities of the construction job market.

 Contact our specialist construction recruiters today to discuss your career needs or hiring strategies.