The young people have spoken: there is no rejection of the construction industry!

The Media Department of ÉVOSZ conducted a survey at higher education institutions with the aim of identifying how students in construction-related degree programmes perceive construction companies. The main questions were which companies they are familiar with, through which channels they encounter them, and what factors make a company an attractive place to work for future engineers.

Based on the responses, the industry faces both a serious challenge and a significant opportunity: students are interested, but they have clear expectations and are becoming increasingly discerning.

Opinions on the construction industry vary among students studying technical and engineering subjects, but young people are open to a career in the sector if they see genuine opportunities for development and a people-centred approach.

The two most important factors are a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development

The survey reveals that, in the eyes of young people, brand recognition alone is not a draw. Many company names ring a bell with them, but that does not necessarily mean they consider them attractive places to work. Their choices are based on complex factors that go beyond a company’s market role or the scale of its projects.

For students, the two most important factors when choosing a job are a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development, which carry virtually equal weight. Those starting their careers are not solely looking for short-term financial gain, but for a working environment where they can learn, receive mentoring, and see a clear career path ahead of them.

The strongest reservations relate to the organisational culture: an outdated organisational mindset, excessive workloads, inflexible working practices and poor internal communication all act as significant deterrents for young people.

For the time being, there are no established brands, just competing impressions of individual companies

One key finding of the research is that the same employer can be perceived as both attractive and unattractive in students’ eyes, which suggests that, in many cases, young people do not have a consistent, stable image of employers in their minds, but rather a range of competing impressions.

This is particularly important feedback for companies: visibility alone is not enough if it is not backed up by consistent internal operations and credible external communication.

Young people are quick to spot the contradictions between advertised values and their actual experiences.

They want real stories and a sense of connection rather than adverts

If a company promises growth, a people-first approach and support, they want to see that reflected in its day-to-day operations. They particularly value authentic, consistent communication, but they aren’t looking for traditional advertising; instead, they seek transparent career paths, real-life stories, showcase projects and opportunities to connect on a personal level.

The ÉVOSZ study confirms that student programmes, professional summer schools, project visits and internship opportunities play a crucial role in shaping perceptions of the industry.

The majority of respondents have already come across such initiatives, and their willingness to participate is particularly high. These programmes offer young people a genuine entry point into the profession, help bridge the gap between university and the labour market, and reduce the uncertainty associated with starting a career.

They are not just looking for a job, but a way into the profession

The survey showed that, on the whole, students are not averse to a career in the construction industry. On the contrary: many would be open to pursuing a career in this field if they were offered a clearer vision of the future, more personalised attention and a more people-centred approach.

The key finding of the research is that young people are not simply looking for a job, but for a way into the profession.

Companies that are not only visible but also able to teach, mentor and offer a genuine professional community to those starting their careers are likely to be attractive to them in the long term.