Does construction need better PR?

​​​​​​​TV presenter and DIY SOS host Nick Knowles tells Clive Holland why joining the construction sector is not a 'second choice'

With the skills gap only increasing, Clive Holland asks, does the UK construction industry's reputation need to change to attract more young people and change people's opinions on the trades? 

Nick Knowles, who has hosted DIY SOS since 1999, believes that the TV series showcases "working-class heroes in a positive light." 

He says that every time a programme is created [on DIY SOS], he ensures that people recognise the efforts of the common man in the construction industry. 

"It's always been a great thing for me to champion what our construction industry can do, because it's enormous - a multi-billion pound industry. Every time there's a recession, the construction industry gets the country out." 

Nick believes that the show has helped young people join the industry. He's met many young tradesmen who've joined the industry because of DIY SOS.

"Undoubtedly, what we do is not a second choice. Choosing a trade is not a second-class choice.  AI will do most of the jobs that many people are going to university for. AI will not build your house, plaster a wall, or build a brick wall. 

"These trades are here to stay, whose demand will increase and what skills are needed. In the trade, you can be whatever you want to be. I have friends who are billionaires; they left school at 16 for a career in construction." 

He reiterates: "We have got to get away from this idea that a trade is second-class to a degree. It isn't in any circumstance." 

Listen to the full podcast here.