Industries expected to hire the most construction and skilled labor workers in 2025

As is the case with many industries, the hiring demand for those in construction and skilled labor trades ebbs and flows. It is strong in some years and in some markets, weak in others. But what do experts foresee happening next year, in 2025?

We reached out to 13 hiring experts to learn more. Most were optimistic for the demand for these workers, citing, among other factors, the rising need for remote workspaces and specialized commercial space renovations.

• Rising Demand for Remote Workspaces
• High Demand in Residential Housing and Infrastructure
• Growth in Home Improvement Industry
• Infrastructure Development and Repair Needs
• Residential Construction and House Flipping Demand
• Strong Demand in Residential and Infrastructure
• Growth in Digital Infrastructure Construction
• Demand for Residential Remodeling and Foundation Repair
• Significant Demand in Plumbing Sector
• Demand for Green and Sustainable Buildings
• Need for Skilled Labor in Property Management
• High Demand in Engineering for Infrastructure Projects
• Specialized Commercial Space Renovations Demand

Rising Demand for Remote Workspaces

With over 20 years in the construction industry and founding RG ProBuilders, I’ve seen the rising demand for skilled labor in the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) market. However, the real emerging sector ready for explosive growth by 2025 is remote workspaces. As remote work becomes more permanent, homeowners are increasingly investing in dedicated workspaces, often turning to ADUs to create optimal remote environments that separate home and work life. 

In the Pacific Northwest, I’ve observed clients leverage smart designs for remote workspaces within ADUs, addressing privacy and productivity needs, and this is just starting. We’ve helped clients incorporate high-tech, soundproof features that appeal to the modern workforce. These projects require specialized skills in new technologies, making the construction of remote workspaces a burgeoning field demanding skilled workers who understand both traditional craftsmanship and modern digital-improved designs.

Additionally, energy-efficient constructions are becoming a prerequisite for new builds as people seek sustainable solutions. From my work in Washington and Oregon, more clients are pushing for ADUs and workspaces that use green building practices, highlighting a need for workers skilled in eco-friendly construction and knowledge of sustainable materials. This shift in consumer demand will ensure a steady need for labor skilled in these newer practices, showing a path forward for future construction opportunities.

Richard Garrett, Managing Member, RG Construction Services, LLC

High Demand in Residential Housing and Infrastructure

Based on the data, I’d say the construction industry will see the greatest demand for skilled workers in residential housing and infrastructure projects in 2025. The need for housing is a huge driver—there’s a government target of building 300,000 new homes a year, which means we’ll need plenty of carpenters, bricklayers, plasterers, and general laborers to meet that demand. On top of that, large infrastructure projects like HS2 and renewable energy initiatives are pushing up the need for electricians, plant operators, and laborers even further.

Looking at the stats, The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) forecasts that 225,000 additional workers will be needed by 2027. Wood trades and interior fit-out top the list with over 5,200 additional workers required, followed by electricians (3,500) and general labourers (2,710). This paints a pretty clear picture of where the pressure points will be. Even trades like plasterers, roofers, and painters are seeing shortages, which will have a knock-on effect on progress in both residential and infrastructure sectors.

The challenge is that we’re not training or retaining enough workers to meet this demand. For instance, fewer than 40% of construction apprenticeships are completed, which leaves us with far fewer skilled workers than we need. Plus, regional imbalances make things worse—Greater London, for example, has seen a decline in apprenticeship starts despite being one of the busiest areas for construction.

So, while the demand will be highest in housing and infrastructure, the big question is whether we’ll have the workforce to deliver. Without serious investment in training and better incentives to keep people in these trades, we’re likely to see delays in projects that are critical for both the economy and the environment.

Barry Marsh, Head of Sales, Trade Direct Insurance Services Ltd.

Growth in Home Improvement Industry

I think we’re going to be seeing the biggest growth in construction and skilled labor jobs in the home improvement industry by 2025. The reason? Every day, more homeowners spend money to renovate and update their homes to be energy-efficient. With thousands of people spending more time at their pads, it’s never been a better time to upgrade the comfort and aesthetic of your home. Installing new exterior siding, a new roof, and a new set of energy-efficient windows are among the most popular projects because people want to increase their home value and save on energy costs. Skilled workers are essential for these jobs because you need someone who knows what they are doing to make sure the results are dependable and durable. This growth is also driven by incentives from the government to upgrade to energy-efficient technologies that entice homebuyers to invest in these improvements.

And I believe it comes from the demand for expertise in more recent technology and materials. With greener alternatives on the horizon for homeowners, workers in the industry should be trained in what’s new: solar panels, energy-efficient insulation, and so forth. For example, replacing old stuff with greener materials, such as recycled siding or cold roofing, requires skills that aren’t really common yet. This change creates a new demand for capable workers who are adaptable and eager to learn.

Tyler Hull, Owner and General Manager, Modern Exterior

Infrastructure Development and Repair Needs

Before I tried my hand at leadership, I worked in the construction space. With this blend of backgrounds, I think that the area with the highest demand for skilled labor in 2025 will be infrastructure development and repair.

A lot of our infrastructure like roads, bridges, and water systems are aging and in need of serious attention. With urban areas growing and governments committing to infrastructure spending, we’re going to need a huge push to upgrade and repair these systems. Trades like concrete specialists, steelworkers, and machinery operators will be in particularly high demand. Plus, with climate change in mind, there’s going to be more focus on projects like flood-resistant buildings and sustainable water management, which will need skilled labor to get done right.

If you’re in this space, it’s an exciting time. Not only are projects like these essential, but they also set the stage for more resilient communities.

Drew Mansur, Co-Founder and Director, TileCloud

Residential Construction and House Flipping Demand

Operating in six states has shown me that residential construction and house flipping will create a massive demand for skilled labor in 2025. Last year, we had to establish relationships with multiple contractor crews because no single team could handle our renovation volume, and we’re still struggling to scale. With the current housing inventory shortage and aging homes needing updates, I’m convinced the residential construction sector will be desperate for skilled workers, especially in growing markets.

Erik Wright, CEO, New Horizon Home Buyers

Strong Demand in Residential and Infrastructure

I’m with Advastar, a recruiting firm focused specifically on construction and engineering talent. Based on the trends we’ve seen through 2024 and the input I’ve gotten from our clients in this space, I anticipate we’ll see the strongest demand for construction and skilled labor workers in two segments in 2025: residential construction and infrastructure. 

I will say, that both of these sectors already have relatively high demand for talent. There has been an ongoing shortage of construction and skilled trades workers across the employment market for several years, and this has left many positions unfilled across the construction industry. This demand is only likely to grow in the coming year, with an increasing need for new housing stock across the country, especially in growing urban areas, as well as a strong push to update or expand outdated infrastructure to accommodate growing populations. Between these factors, I see 2025 as an excellent year to be a professional in construction or the skilled trades, as you will likely find yourself with a wide variety of job prospects to choose from.

David Case, President, Advastar

Growth in Digital Infrastructure Construction

I’m seeing massive growth in digital infrastructure construction, where skilled laborers who understand both traditional building and smart technology installations are becoming invaluable. After managing several office renovation projects for tech startups, I’ve noticed how integrating things like smart HVAC systems and IoT wiring requires specialized construction workers who can bridge both worlds.

Yarden Morgan, Director of Growth, Lusha

Demand for Residential Remodeling and Foundation Repair

The residential construction and remodeling industry will likely experience significant demand for skilled labor, especially in foundation repair and structural work. With more homeowners investing in older properties or staying in their current homes rather than buying new, the focus will be on making existing structures safer and more sustainable. Foundation repair is a critical part of this, as shifting soils, aging materials, and extreme weather continue to compromise home stability in many regions.

For example, in areas like Houston with clay-heavy soils, the demand for foundation specialists is expected to rise due to ongoing issues like soil expansion and contraction caused by fluctuating moisture levels. Skilled laborers in this field are not only addressing current structural problems but also implementing long-term solutions, such as advanced drainage systems or moisture barriers, to protect homes against future damage.

In this sector, there is an increasing use of technology and materials tailored for specific climates, which requires expertise to apply correctly. Workers with the ability to assess structural issues and install modern solutions, such as helical piers or polyurethane foam injections, will unquestionably be in high demand.

Aaron Lipman, Owner, Two Brothers Foundation Repair

Significant Demand in Plumbing Sector

Plumbing will see significant demand in 2025, driven by aging infrastructure and stricter water conservation regulations. Homes and commercial buildings need system upgrades to handle modern efficiency standards and technology, like low-flow fixtures and smart water systems. We’ve seen a steady rise in retrofitting projects, particularly in older properties, and a growing need for skilled plumbers who can integrate traditional systems with advanced solutions. The workforce gap is already noticeable, so investing in plumbing apprenticeships and certifications now will pay off as demand grows.

Blake Beesley, Operations and Technology Manager, Pacific Plumbing Systems

Demand for Green and Sustainable Buildings

In 2025, the construction industry most likely to experience the greatest demand for skilled labor will be in green and sustainable buildings. As the global push for sustainability intensifies, governments, corporations, and consumers increasingly emphasize reducing carbon footprints and creating energy-efficient, eco-friendly structures. This demand will drive growth in sectors like renewable energy construction, retrofitting existing buildings to meet energy standards and green infrastructure projects such as electric vehicle charging stations and sustainable urban development.

Skilled workers will be needed to install and maintain renewable energy systems (solar, wind, and geothermal), work with eco-friendly building materials, and ensure that new developments comply with rising environmental standards. Moreover, advancements in building technology—such as smart homes and automated systems—will require specialized tradespeople to install and maintain complex systems.

As governments also increase investment in infrastructure to tackle climate change, there will be an uptick in projects focused on resilience and adaptation, including flood defenses, coastal protection, and sustainable transportation networks.

Andrew Moore, Director, Rubicon Wigzell Limited

Need for Skilled Labor in Property Management

I have seen how, by 2025, skilled manpower in the housing and infrastructure construction industry will most likely be in need for property management and real estate industries. With growing populations, expansion of cities, and even further dire needs for housing, constructing homes and business outlets will continue to remain a high priority.

The new building and renovation demand is high in London, Ontario, which involves a highly booming real estate market. To accommodate the ever-growing number of individuals relocating to the city, local governments are working hard to build homes. New skilled laborers are needed, such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and drywallers, since these building trades are in great demand within residential, multifamily, and commercial projects.

The building trend has been going increasingly green. Many builders and property managers are opting for eco-friendly and energy-efficient materials and methods, which is increasing the demand for workers knowledgeable about sustainable construction, renewable energy systems, and energy-efficient buildings. With increasing pressure for net-zero buildings because of ecological concerns, the demand for skilled workers in areas related to solar panel installation, energy-efficient HVAC, and sustainable sourcing of materials is greater.

Also, while renovations and upgrades, in general, have remained a top priority, especially after the economy began to get back on its feet following the pandemic, skilled labor in areas such as remodeling and general contracting would be in greater demand. This trend is particularly prevalent in property management, whereby older structures are being brought up to contemporary standards and capacity.

Due to these factors, the construction industry is poised for great expansion in 2025, especially for houses and eco-friendly building projects, which presents a very excellent opportunity for those in the skilled trades.

Matthew Lang, Founder, LSK Property Management

High Demand in Engineering for Infrastructure Projects

Engineering will be in great need of skilled laborers in 2025 because of the massive growth of infrastructure projects and increasing emphasis on sustainable solutions. Both governments and corporations are prioritizing transportation, energy, and urban improvement projects that involve extremely specialized abilities. For instance, renewable power projects like wind farms and solar panels require workers who can complete sophisticated construction tasks while utilizing advanced technologies. 

It’s even encouraging projects that incorporate sustainability and high tech. Skilled workers aren’t only needed in the form of construction, but also by deploying infrastructure such as smart grids, environmentally friendly construction materials, and automated monitoring technologies. Workers who are able to transcend between engineering and technology will be the keys to these needs.

Alex LaDouceur, Co-Founder, Webineering

Specialized Commercial Space Renovations Demand

From organizing team events at various venues, I’ve noticed a huge uptick in demand for specialized commercial space renovations, particularly in creating flexible, multi-purpose spaces. Last quarter alone, four of our partner venues were delayed in opening because they couldn’t find enough skilled workers who understood both traditional construction and modern collaborative space requirements.

Hanna Kanabiajeuskaja, Founder, Spaciously