Inspiring the next generation: preview of Open Doors 2025

Canary Wharf Group, Build UK and CITB work together to showcase career opportunities in construction.

As part of our commitment to addressing the skills shortage in the construction sector, CITB supported Build UK to host an exciting preview of Open Doors 2025 at Canary Wharf Group’s (CWG) Wood Wharf development in London.

This initiative gave young people a unique behind-the-scenes tour at one of the world’s most successful regeneration projects.

With the construction industry needing 50,000 new entrants annually to meet growing demand - including the Government’s ambitious target to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2029 - initiatives like Open Doors are essential to building a skilled and sustainable workforce.

Hosted at CWG’s 23-acre Wood Wharf site, the event welcomed students sourced through the Construction Youth Trust. They explored a working construction site and engaged with professionals from CWG’s Development, Sustainability and Construction teams, gaining valuable insights into the wide range of career opportunities available.

Rebecca Agbara, a Graduate Assistant Project Manager at CWG, shared her journey into the sector. “I feel a great sense of pride being part of the five per cent of women in the UK working in construction,” she said. “Individuals, such as myself, attending events like this are crucial in attracting others who previously thought construction wasn’t for them.

“I fell in love with the construction industry when my dad, who ran a construction firm, used to take me to his sites on the weekend where I built an interest in reading architectural drawings and plans for the buildings.

“That early childhood memory influenced my career decision – and I am hoping this Open Doors tour will have a similar effect on the students visiting Wood Wharf.”

CITB and Open Doors

CITB is a proud partner of Open Doors, a nationwide initiative designed to inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds to explore the varied career paths in construction. By opening up live construction sites, manufacturing facilities, offices and more, Open Doors offers a unique opportunity to see the industry in action.

The event at Wood Wharf is a prime example of how such initiatives bridge the gap between education with employment. Students not only learned about the technical aspects of construction but also heard personal success stories, demonstrating the diverse pathways available in the sector.

Tamsin Parkes, Project Manager of Open Doors, highlighted the vital role it plays. “Seeing such enthusiasm from the students to find out more about all the different roles in action at Wood Wharf really underlines why Open Doors events are crucial to the longevity of the construction industry - they’re about planting the seed for exciting and rewarding careers in the sector.

“There is something for everyone in construction and we would encourage schools and colleges, as well as anyone looking for a change of career, to book an Open Doors visit from 13 January to find out just what our industry has to offer.”

Get involved with Open Doors 2025

Currently in Phase Three of development, Wood Wharf highlights the future of construction, combining cutting-edge design with sustainability. Tours of this site and hundreds of others across the UK, will be available during Open Doors Week from 17–22 March 2025.

CITB’s collaboration with Build UK ensures that events like Open Doors not only showcase the industry but also inspire the next generation of budding builders and creators.