Spain's construction industry is currently struggling with a substantial labour shortage, with the Confederación Nacional de la Construcción (CNC) estimating a deficit of approximately 700,000 workers. This shortfall persists despite the sector offering competitive salaries and having made significant strides in improving working conditions.
A notable concern is the industry's inability to attract younger workers, who represent a shrinking 9.6% of the total workforce. Challenge to attract youth is largely attributed to the sector's damaged reputation following the 2008 financial crisis and the perception of construction work as being particularly demanding and dangerous.
In response to these challenges, the CNC, along with other industry stakeholders, has proposed several initiatives. These include promoting the industrialisation of construction processes to modernize the industry, implementing strategies to improve the sector's public image, and facilitating the regularization and comprehensive training of migrants to integrate them into the workforce effectively.