Open Doors returns in March 2025 and is supported by Build UK in partnership with CITB and CSCS, with media, community and industry partners encouraging construction employers to sign up to take part in the events.

Open Doors offers the public the opportunity to go behind the scenes of live construction sites, offices, factories and training centers across the UK, both in person and virtually.

Employers who sign up to Open Doors and provide a ‘showcase’ for the industry put themselves in a prime position to attract and retain new workers and demonstrate the benefits of a career in construction.

Employers who record their events should consider which interactive experiences and learning opportunities will be most appealing to young people. This could be providing hands-on demonstrations or having employees explain differences in their roles and responsibilities.

The event offers a great opportunity for SMEs in the construction industry to attract new apprentices. More than two-thirds of apprenticeships starting in the construction industry are employed by companies with fewer than 50 employees; This shows how important a strong apprenticeship training pipeline is for small construction employers.

Deb Madden, CITB executive director of international engagement, said: “Open Doors provides a great forum for construction employers to engage with the workforce of tomorrow and for young people to understand the joys and diversity of a career in construction. The industry needs to recruit 50,000 new participants a year and Open Doors offers a unique opportunity for young people and those looking for a career change to go behind the scenes and see what the industry has to offer.

“This is also a great opportunity for SMEs to get involved and showcase their sites. A healthy construction industry requires SME employers to thrive, with it being vital to build a strong pipeline of apprentices and new entrants.

“I urge construction employers to take the chance to register their sites for Open Doors 2025, this will be a very valuable event.”

CITB will host its participants at the National Construction College (NCC) facilities in Bircham Newton and Inchinnan as part of its Open Doors programme.

Build UK members can register for their events for free, and an early bird discount is available for non-members until 30 November.

Important dates for Open Doors are as follows:

• October 7, 2024 – Event registrations are open for employers
• January 13, 2025 – Visitor reservations are open
• 17 – 22 March 2025 – Open Doors week

Employers can find information or register their sites with Open Doors Here.