Tech-Driven Future: Emerging Jobs In Construction And Real Estate

The construction and real estate industries are experiencing major changes due to rapid technological advancements and shifting market demand. Once hesitant to embrace innovation, these sectors are now leading a technological revolution that is transforming job roles, project management, and overall industry dynamics.

The Convergence of Technology in Contech and Proptech

Traditionally resistant to change, the construction sector is now rapidly integrating advanced technologies such as offsite manufacturing, 3D printing, and AI-driven design, influenced by global drives towards sustainability and efficiency.

This integration of advanced technologies in construction is leading to the creation of new job roles, some of which include Robotic Equipment Operators, who oversee machines such as autonomous bulldozers, cranes, and excavators on construction sites, and AI Architects, who design intelligent systems for automating construction processes and improving efficiency. Other roles include Digital Twin Specialists, who create and manage digital replicas of physical assets to monitor and optimise their performance, and 3D Printing Technicians, who operate and maintain 3D printing equipment for constructing building components. These positions reflect similar developments in proptech, where digital tools are revolutionising property management and real estate transactions, as highlighted in the CRETI Proptech Jobs Index.

Moreover, a recent report by Autodesk notes that 95% of UK construction firms are planning significant investments in emerging technologies to streamline operations and enhance project delivery. This shift involves adopting new tools and rethinking business models and strategic approaches within the industry. According to the report, larger businesses and contractors are more likely to invest in these technologies compared to smaller companies and subcontractors. Companies must begin laying the groundwork now to ensure these plans come to fruition in the future.

Further research from PHD Media underscores that new professions will not be exclusively technology-related. Instead, there will be a greater demand for professionals to respond to sustainability and diversity, equity & inclusion challenges. Positions such as Sustainability Managers and Green Construction Analysts will, therefore, be in high demand. They will need to identify and monitor the environmental and social impacts of an organisation’s activities and develop and implement strategies to improve resource efficiency and promote respect for ethics and corporate values.

Trends in Construction

Data from the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) shows that the construction sector is a vital part of the EU economy, employing over 13 million people. This sector drives economic growth, particularly during recovery periods, through state-funded infrastructure projects. Construction also plays a key role in the green transition, spearheading initiatives such as the Renovation Wave and the New European Bauhaus, which aim to create smarter, greener cities across Europe.

Despite being one of the least digitalised sectors in the EU, construction is witnessing a growing demand for highly qualified workers as digital technologies transform the industry. High-in-demand skills include CAD software use, digital collaboration, and creative design. Cedefop’s analysis highlights significant training needs for construction workers, particularly those with vocational education and training (VET) qualifications. Moreover, many workers’ skills are underutilised, especially among the substantial migrant workforce.

In light of this, it is evident that the sector must adapt to the dual transitions — digital and green — while responding to disruptions such as supply-chain problems and rising costs. This adaptation will require cost-reducing technologies and productivity-enhancing construction techniques.

Given the construction sector’s employment structure, with many microenterprises, reskilling workers is a formidable task. Failing to meet emerging skill needs could limit the sector’s ability to address current and future challenges. Therefore, VET stakeholders must continue developing initiatives to tackle challenges posed by digitalisation, the green transition, and an ageing workforce.

Employment and Job Demand

Cedefop’s 2023 update highlights the crucial role of construction workers in tasks such as demolition, construction, renovation, and maintenance. In 2022, approximately 7.6 million people were employed in these roles, representing about 4% of total EU employment.

Additionally, employment trends for construction workers have demonstrated resilience, rebounding quickly after declines such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and are projected to remain stable from 2022 to 2035, with an expected growth of around 90,000 jobs. The industry’s adoption of digital and green technologies has also driven demand for additional construction workers.

However, the primary driver of job demand will be the need to replace workers exiting the labour market due to retirement or other reasons, with an estimated 4.2 million job openings needing to be filled between 2022 and 2035.

Meeting the Skills Challenge

Equipping construction workers with updated skills is crucial for achieving green and digital transition goals. Most construction workers start with vocational qualifications at ISCED levels 3 and 4. Efforts are needed to make initial vocational education and training (IVET) attractive and to provide continuing vocational education and training (CVET) for reskilling and upskilling existing workers.

The European Commission emphasises attracting more young people to the construction sector and providing appropriate training, with apprenticeships playing a vital role. Short-course and online training, along with initiatives like the BuildUpSkills Initiative, provide flexible access to training. The Erasmus+ Skills Blueprint for the Construction Industry identifies key factors shaping future skill needs, including the growing integration of technology, automation, and sustainable construction practices.

Navigating Current Uncertainties: Balancing Investments in People and Technology

In the face of industry uncertainties, firms are showing a cautious yet strategic approach to their investments, particularly in human resources and technology. Industry insights indicate that approximately 42% of companies plan to prioritise hiring new staff, and nearly as many (39%) will invest in training and upskilling their current workforce. Additionally, a third of the companies plan to focus on investing in apprenticeships.

While there is significant emphasis on investing in people, technology investment ranks slightly lower in priority. Approximately 27% of businesses say they will prioritise investments in construction technology. Larger firms (those with more than 100 employees) are more likely to do so (36%) compared to their smaller counterparts (24%), indicating a more pronounced focus on technological advancement in larger enterprises. Additionally, three in ten businesses plan to invest in zero-carbon initiatives and their sustainability and ESG strategies over the next two years, reflecting a robust response to growing client demands for sustainable construction practices.

These changes are shaping how companies operate and compete in the evolving market landscape. Skilled employees are central to the success of every construction project, company, and national programme. Strengthening the talent pipeline by attracting new recruits, upskilling workers, and providing employees with digital tools to improve their productivity and satisfaction is essential.

Conclusion

The construction and real estate industries are at a critical juncture where the integration of advanced technologies and a focus on enhancing human capital are essential for future success. As these sectors continue to evolve, companies that effectively balance the need to innovate with the need to develop a skilled workforce will likely succeed. This transformation promises a future that is more efficient, sustainable, and responsive to tomorrow’s needs. The fusion of technology and traditional practices is likely to drive significant advancements in how we conceive of and interact with the built environment, marking a new phase of construction and property technology. Overall, embracing these changes today will lay the groundwork for more accessible, sustainable, and high-quality construction projects in the future.