The Philippines’ construction sector is facing a growing skills gap as it adapts to both digitalization and climate-related demands, raising concerns that many young workers could be left behind if they are not properly prepared. In response, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and its partners are working to place youth at the centre of the industry’s transition toward greener and more technology-driven practices. Their goal is to ensure that young people can access decent work as the construction sector becomes more modern, sustainable, and skills-intensive.
This focus was highlighted during a Partnership Forum on DigiGreen Construction Skills held on 25 March 2026 in Quezon City, where representatives from government, industry, and training institutions gathered to discuss how to equip Filipino youth with the skills needed in a rapidly changing construction landscape. The forum underscored the urgency of the issue, noting that construction remains one of the country’s largest sources of employment, but is now undergoing a “twin transition” shaped by digital technologies and the push for environmentally sustainable building practices.
The ILO emphasized that without targeted and inclusive training, many workers—especially youth from low- to medium-skill backgrounds—may be excluded from the new opportunities emerging in the sector. The organization stressed the importance of making training accessible so that young people, who stand to benefit most from the changes, can gain the competencies needed to participate in the evolving labour market. This approach is intended not only to close the skills gap but also to improve employability and reduce the risk of young workers being trapped in low-paid or insecure construction jobs.
At the core of the initiative are two priority training areas: Building Information Modeling (BIM) and green construction skills. These are increasingly seen as essential rather than optional, as they are quickly becoming global industry standards. BIM, in particular, is a digital tool that supports more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable building design and management. Its use has already become standard in major construction projects in places such as Korea, Singapore, and Dubai, and its growing adoption in the Philippines signals a shift toward higher productivity and lower environmental impact.
For young workers, acquiring these skills could significantly improve career prospects. The ILO and its partners noted that training in BIM and green construction can help youth move into more specialized and higher-value roles within the construction sector, offering better wages, more stable employment, and stronger long-term career pathways. By linking young people to emerging skill demands, the initiative aims to transform the sector into a more inclusive source of decent work while supporting the country’s broader sustainability and modernization goals.
A key outcome of the forum was the formal handover of training modules to major Philippine institutions, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Construction Manpower Development Foundation (CMDF), and the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA). This step is intended to strengthen coordination between government, training providers, and industry so that skills development efforts are aligned with actual labour market needs and lead to real employment opportunities for young people.
The initiative forms part of the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme’s Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN project, which is focused on preparing the region’s workforce for future labour market demands. As the construction sector continues to evolve, stakeholders emphasized that investing in youth skills today is essential for building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable industry in the years ahead.
