Building the Future: Bridging the Talent Gap in the Building Materials Sector

The UK building materials and construction supply industry is the backbone of the built environment – responsible for the products, distribution, and people that keep construction moving. But as the sector undergoes significant transformation, one challenge continues to loom large: a widening talent gap.

While innovation in digital supply chains, sustainability, and modern methods of construction is accelerating, the industry faces a shortfall in new talent—particularly among younger generations. At GCS Associates, we believe the future success of the industry hinges not only on investing in innovation but in attracting, developing, and retaining people.

Why Is There a Talent Gap?

Many organisations in the sector are grappling with a mix of:

• An aging workforce – A significant portion of experienced professionals are nearing retirement.

• A lack of industry visibility – Many young people are simply unaware of the career opportunities available in building materials.

• Misconceptions – The industry is often viewed as old-fashioned, male-dominated, or solely manual-labour based.

This talent deficit has real consequences: businesses are struggling to fill key commercial, operational, and leadership roles, and without a new pipeline of skilled workers, growth and innovation are at risk.

GCS Associates Proud to Support the BMF’s “Materially Different” Campaign

We are proud to be supporting the Builders Merchants Federation’s (BMF) new national campaign, “Materially Different,” which officially launched at the Houses of Parliament in 2024.

The campaign is designed to change outdated perceptions and highlight the diversity, inclusivity, and opportunity within the building materials industry. It promotes the message that this is a sector offering meaningful, long-term careers, not just “jobs.” It shines a light on everything from digital roles in supply chain management to commercial leadership, HR, sales, logistics, and environmental innovation.

At GCS Associates, we’ve long championed the idea that people are the industry’s most valuable asset. Supporting this campaign aligns perfectly with our mission to connect skilled, ambitious individuals with the companies that are shaping the future of construction supply.

“It’s a campaign that’s long overdue. The building materials sector is evolving rapidly, and we need to make sure that message reaches future generations. We’re proud to be part of that journey,”
– Michael Parry, Managing Director, GCS Associates

Attracting the Next Generation: What Needs to Change?

Bringing in younger talent isn’t just about recruitment — it’s about relevance. To attract Gen Z and the next wave of professionals, the industry needs to rethink how it presents itself.

Here are a few critical shifts:

1. Modernising the Brand of the Sector

Young people are drawn to innovation, purpose, and flexibility. It’s time to showcase the building materials industry as one that’s forward-thinking and technologically advanced. From low-carbon products to automated logistics, there’s plenty of innovation to talk about—we just need to tell the story better.

2. Focusing on Purpose and Sustainability

This generation is mission-driven. By highlighting the sector’s role in sustainable building and the move toward net-zero construction, we can show young professionals that this is an industry that truly makes a difference.

3. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Representation matters. Young talent wants to see a future for themselves—regardless of background, gender, or education path. This means creating inclusive work environments and sharing success stories from all walks of life.

4. Investing in Early Careers and Apprenticeships

Strong apprenticeship programs and early career initiatives provide a clear route into the industry. Partnering with colleges, schools, and universities is a powerful way to build relationships with future candidates early.

The Role of GCS Associates

As a specialist recruitment and consultancy business dedicated to the building materials sector, GCS Associates is uniquely positioned to help businesses overcome these hiring challenges. We:

• Work with employers to develop compelling employer branding that appeals to younger generations.

• Offer consultancy on early careers strategies, diversity hiring, and onboarding processes.

• Support the wider industry through partnerships with organisations like the BMF to advocate for positive change.

Let’s Build Something Better, Together

There’s no doubt: the building materials industry is changing. But without a clear and intentional strategy to attract younger talent, companies risk being left behind. By getting involved in campaigns like Materially Different, embracing innovation, and working with partners like GCS Associates, we can help secure the future of the sector — one talented person at a time.

📩 Interested in learning more about how we can help your business adapt and grow your team for the future?
Contact us at enquiries@gcsassociates.com or call 0161 660 2548.