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Generation Z sees construction as ‘creative’ but ‘dirty’
Neil Gerrard Associate editor
Teacher Simon Forestiero from the Design Engineer Construct! programme and his students from Highlands College tour the C Le Masurier Ltd “Merchant Square” site in St Helier
School-age students regard construction as a creative, but dirty and potentially dangerous industry, a new survey has revealed.
Ahead of tomorrow’s World Earth Day (22 April), industry group ZERO polled 140 students from 12 schools in England, Scotland and Jersey. They ranged in age from as young as 11, up to the second year of college.
Three out of four said they perceived construction as a “creative industry”.
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However, 30% of students also called the industry “dangerous” or “dirty”. Only 10% chose the word “clean” to describe construction.
Prior experience
Around 75% of the students surveyed were either studying a construction-related subject or were part of a programme raising awareness about sustainability.
Students with no prior exposure to the construction industry were more likely to say that it was unsafe or undesirable. However, even after a short presentation on the sector, those students changed their perceptions, according to report author Kristina Henkai.
Sustainability
Meanwhile, the students, who represent Generation Z want to see construction take a lead in reducing carbon emissions. Generation Z are defined as being born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s.
One year 12 student from Hautlieu on Jersey told the survey: “I want construction to have a bigger focus on sustainability and carbon negative/neutral design and reducing climate change and global warming.”
Another said: “I desire to have an impact on our commitment to climate change through green energy and lowering carbon emissions.”
A Year 13 student from Heathcote Sixth Form added: “The construction-based courses I’ve taken in school have provided me more insight into the industry and allowed me to gain exciting work experience, which has increased my attraction to be involved in the industry.”
The November/December 2025 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
Powered Access
CM, in partnership with IPAF, has launched a new survey to explore the industry’s views and experiences with powered access machines on construction projects.
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