An AI-powered recruitment platform has been launched with the aim of helping construction employers tackle ongoing skills shortages and improve access to talent.

Buildout AI, founded by West Midlands entrepreneurs James O’Donoghue and Jack Hurdley, is being rolled out across the UK construction sector. It is targeting both new entrants and experienced professionals seeking employment opportunities.

The launch comes as the construction industry continues to face long-term labour shortages. According to the latest Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) workforce forecast, the sector will need to recruit the equivalent of almost 240,000 additional workers over the five years to 2029 – around 47,900 people a year – to meet expected demand.

Recruitment pressures remain significant despite a slowdown in parts of the market. CITB figures show that construction employers were advertising an average of 38,000 vacancies a month, while almost a third (31%) of employers reported difficulties finding suitably skilled workers.

The platform uses AI technology to match candidates with suitable roles and is designed to support job seekers through the recruitment process. Employers can use the system to manage recruitment activities, including job advertising, candidate screening, interview scheduling and job offers.

Technology connects candidates and employers

Buildout AI has secured backing from angel investors with experience in the recruitment, software and construction sectors. The company is currently undertaking a £2.8m funding round to support its growth plans.

O’Donoghue said the recruitment sector had been slow to adopt AI technologies and that the platform was designed to help employers identify suitable candidates more efficiently.

Buildout AI’s chairman is Sir Terry Morgan CBE, former chair of HS2 and Crossrail. He said skills shortages remain a significant challenge for the construction sector and that technology could play a role in connecting employers with prospective workers.

The company said it plans to continue developing AI-based career guidance and recruitment tools from its headquarters in Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, with international expansion under consideration later this year.