The “Open Doors” weekend on November 9 and 10 will see 91 sites invite the public in for guided tours.

The initiative follows in the footsteps of architectural open doors events which have proved a hit with the public.

The scheme is the brainchild of four leading industry bodies – UK Contractors Group (UKCG), CITB-ConstructionSkills, The Considerate Constructors Scheme and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Twenty three major contractors are taking part to showcase schemes including the Olympics Aquatic Centre by Balfour Beatty, Tate Modern extension by Mace, Skanska’s Brent Civic Centre in North London, Leeds Arena by BAM and Carillion’s Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

Stephen Ratcliffe, Director, UK Contractors Group said: “Construction is undergoing rapid change and needs to develop a skilled workforce to meet the challenges it faces.

“Nowadays construction is more about careers than jobs and the expected increase in demand for specialist and management roles in the next few years means that we need quality talent entering the industry now to fill these future positions.

“‘Open Doors’ is a unique opportunity for the industry collectively to display the complexity and scope of modern construction projects and give people a taste of what it’s really like to work in the industry today.

“It’s an exciting initiative which we hope will encourage more people to consider construction as a prospective career with good opportunities.

“The scheme will also allow the industry to engage with local communities and strengthen relationships at a local level. What the public will see is a skilled, sophisticated and progressive industry – the Open Doors weekend will is certain to challenge perceptions.”

For more details or to register for a tour visit http://www.opendoorsweekend.co.uk