Forster Group defies industry trends with under-30 workforce - helping to power Scotland’s housing delivery

John Forster

As Scotland’s construction sector faces mounting pressure from skills shortages and an ageing workforce, one company is proving that the future is already here and ready to build.

Forster Group, Scotland’s leading provider of integrated roofing, solar and battery storage solutions, has revealed that its workforce has an average age of 34, dropping further to 30 in its roofing division. The figure, drawn from internal research, contrasts sharply with nationwide trends showing one-third of construction workers are aged 50 or over and set to retire by 2035. 

By investing in training, development and clear career pathways through its Forster Skills Academy, established in 2015, Forster Group is successfully bucking the trend. Attracting, training and retaining young talent at a time when much of the sector is struggling to do so. This long-term commitment to nurturing skills and providing genuine career progression has created a resilient, future-ready workforce that’s helping to secure the industry’s next generation.

To date, the Academy has supported over 100 new entrants through accredited programmes, achieving a 95% apprenticeship completion rate - well above the industry average of 80%.

“We’ve built a team that’s young, skilled and ready to deliver,” said John Forster, Chair and Founder of Forster Group. “In a sector facing real challenges, our workforce is a signal of what’s possible when you invest in people and plan for the future.”

The company’s approach is already paying dividends for housebuilders. With over 35 years of experience and a track record of delivering roofs for one in five new homes in Scotland, Forster Group offers certainty on capacity, quality and reliability backed by a stable, highly skilled team.

“When housebuilders choose Forster, they’re choosing a partner that’s ready to deliver,” added John Forster. “We provide the confidence that every roof will be completed on time and to the highest standards, with the next generation of talent leading the way.”

That confidence is underpinned by rigorous standards, a dedicated aftercare team, and a proactive service model that has seen Forster resolve almost 300 remedial roofing projects installed by other contractors in the past three years alone.

The company’s commitment to innovation also extends to sustainability. Through its integrated solar and battery storage solutions, Forster helps clients reduce energy costs and carbon footprints, while supporting Scotland’s net-zero goals. Its partnership in the UKRI-funded AIMCH project further reinforces its role in advancing industrialised, energy-efficient housing.

“We’re proud to be part of the solution, not just to the skills gap, but to the housing and energy challenges Scotland faces,” said Lindsay Kemp, Skills Academy Trainer and Scotland’s Apprentice Trainer of the Year 2022. “Our young team is building homes, building careers and building a better future for themselves and their families.”

As the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) forecasts a need for 47,860 additional construction workers annually from 2025 to 2029, Forster Group’s success offers a clear message to industry and policymakers alike: the next generation is ready, but only if the sector is willing to invest.

“The level of investment in training at the Skills Academy sets Forster apart from other apprenticeships. Over my two-year stint with the Skills Academy, there was a focus on training us on skillsets across the board, including health and safety, industry knowledge, and professional conduct,” said Ryan O’Rourke, a qualified roofer with Forster Group who joined the Skills Academy in 2018. “I’ve been with Forster Group for seven years now, and I’ve learned a lot in that time. Being part of a bigger company which really supports its people has  been a big reason why I’ve stayed for so long.”

Ryan continued: “I’ve had the chance to work on lots of different projects, from large farm installations to new build houses.  I have been given lots of opportunities to develop my skills and learn more about the industry. Forster Group has been a great place for me to start my career and I hope others can do the same.”