Construction National

Buildout AI talent platform set to tackle construction industry skills shortage

Buildout founders Jack Hurdley (left) and James O’Donoghue, with chairman and investor Sir Terry Morgan CBEA pioneering AI-powered recruitment platform launched by two West Midlands entrepreneurs is set to tackle the chronic skills shortage in the construction sector.

Founded by James O’Donoghue and Jack Hurdley, Buildout AI aims to connect young people looking for careers in the construction industry and established professionals with the right opportunities — and every employer with the talent that will define their future.

Developed on the back of financial support from angel investors with experience across recruitment, software, and construction, the company is now raising £2.8 million in its current growth round, with further investment planned ahead of international expansion later this year.

Buildout AI is rolling out its platform within the UK construction sector, one of the industries most affected by skills shortages - an additional 250,000 workers are expected to be needed over the next three years. The platform is currently active, with the number of company subscriptions and candidate registrations growing rapidly on a daily basis.

The platform provides every candidate with an omnipresent career adviser and recruiter — learning their goals, preparing them for opportunities, and matching them to roles with intelligence beyond traditional job boards.

For construction and infrastructure businesses, Buildout AI enhances employer branding, automates first-stage interviews, and delivers pre-assessed candidates — transforming hiring into a strategic advantage.  Companies can also significantly reduce recruitment costs by managing the entire hiring process within the platform, from job descriptions and interview scheduling to formal offers.

James O’Donoghue, co-founder and director of Buildout AI, said:  “The global recruitment industry is one of the largest markets in the world, yet it has been built on pre-AI infrastructure. Job boards replaced newspapers and CV databases replaced filing cabinets — but the system has never truly become intelligent.

“Buildout AI changes that. Our platform is designed for scale and accessibility, removing barriers to adoption for construction companies of all sizes. As more professionals and companies join, the platform becomes smarter — creating a powerful, compounding data advantage.”

Buildout AI chairman and investor Sir Terry Morgan CBE, former chairman of HS2 and Crossrail, brings extensive experience across infrastructure, technology, and skills policy.

“The skills challenge facing the UK is a key barrier to growth within the construction sector,” said Sir Terry. “Buildout AI is an innovative way to connect people to opportunity at scale, with the potential to make a meaningful impact across multiple sectors.”

From its headquarters in Henley-in-Arden, Buildout AI will continue to evolve the platform, including the development of new AI features designed to coach and guide candidates throughout their careers. 

For further information visit buildout.co.uk