How to fix the skills shortage in construction? Video games

June 25, 2026 - 05:56

A House of Lords committee has suggested that video games like Minecraft might hold a key to fixing the chronic skills shortage in the construction industry. In a new report, the committee argues that popular building and city-planning games can spark young people's interest in real-world careers such as urban design, architecture, and house building.

The report notes that many young players already spend hours designing virtual structures and managing resources in digital worlds. These activities, the Lords say, naturally develop problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and an understanding of logistics. By highlighting these connections, schools and industry bodies could channel that enthusiasm into apprenticeships and training programs.

The committee also calls for a broader rethink of how construction is marketed to the next generation. Instead of focusing solely on manual labor, the industry should promote the creative and technical aspects of the work. Video games offer a low-pressure way to introduce concepts like zoning, material sourcing, and structural integrity.

Critics warn that gaming alone will not fix the industry's image problem or address the lack of affordable training routes. But the Lords insist that meeting young people where they already spend their time is a practical first step. The report recommends that construction firms collaborate with game developers to create educational content that mirrors real job challenges.

With the sector facing a shortage of hundreds of thousands of workers in the coming years, the committee believes that even a small shift in perception could make a significant difference.