Construction has bounced back quicker than expected from the Covid-19 pandemic and the industry is set to reach 2019 levels of output in 2022. However, the sector still faces a significant skills challenge and according to the Construction Industry Training Board by 2025, the industry will need to recruit an additional 217,000 new workers just to meet demand.The government’s Build Back Better drive is placing increasing pressure on the industry to deliver and the sector also needs to invest in the skills that will drive change and meet new and growing needs such as net zero emissions and building safety. That means an increasing focus on specific skills and occupations such as leadership and management, digital skills and skills related to energy efficiency.