Registrations are now open for employers to take part in Open Doors 2021, helping to close the skills gap in construction.

The current skills shortage in construction is one of the most pressing issues in the industry, with more than 216,800 new construction jobs expected to be created by 2025.

Open Doors provides a great opportunity to inspire and recruit the next generation and career changers to choose a career in construction.

Open Doors Week in October gives visitors a unique insight into working in construction, seeking to inspire young people and career changers of all ages by letting them go behind the site hoardings and explore construction sites, offices, factories and training centres across Great Britain.

Real life visits will run alongside a range of virtual events, panel discussions, and Q&As.

Companies can get involved now by registering their details, creating an account, and beginning to upload their sites across the country on the Open Doors website here. 

Bookings for Open Doors 2021 will open to the public on 23rd August, with visits taking place throughout Open Doors Week (4th to 9th October).

Since 2016, over 1,000 sites across the UK have been listed through Open Doors.

Last year, the event went virtual due to the pandemic, with digital content showcasing major projects, including ISG's tour of Lord's cricket ground, Balfour Beatty's Luncarty to Pass of Birnam project and Willmott Dixon's Riverside House site. The week generated more than 20,000 visits to the Open Doors website.

Suzannah Nichol MBE, chief executive of Build UK, said: "There is nothing quite like visiting a construction site, whether it is a major project you have seen on the news or one in your local area, to get an idea of just how exciting a career in construction can be.

"Open Doors gives everyone the opportunity to go through the site gates to see just what goes on and perhaps even spot their ideal job! Whether you are a client, contractor, manufacturer, merchant, logistics centre, specialist, designer or consultant, you can play your part in recruiting the next generation by participating in Open Doors."

Open Doors is delivered by Build UK and supported by CITB, Go Construct, Considerate Constructors Scheme, Construction Skills Certification Scheme, Black Professionals in Construction, Skylapse, the Home Builders Federation, the Careers Enterprise Company, Department for Work & Pensions, STEM Learning, New Futures Network, and media partner Building Magazine.