Project Optimism Rising: APM Survey Signals Growth, Investment, and Skills as Cornerstones of the Future

In times of economic uncertainty and rapid change, project professionals across key UK industries are expressing renewed optimism about the future. According to a recent survey by APM, conducted in partnership with Censuswide, the outlook for project growth, investment and professional development is not only positive but also strikingly consistent across sectors like construction, automotive, transport and engineering.

With 1,000 project professionals participating in the survey, the findings reveal a profession that is not just resilient, but increasingly viewed as strategic to the long-term success of organisations. At a time when many sectors are navigating complex global challenges—from supply chain disruptions to sustainability targets—the role of the project professional has never been more pivotal.

A Clear Signal of Growth
Project professionals are looking ahead with strong confidence, particularly when it comes to the volume of projects expected over the next five years. In construction, 70% of respondents anticipate an increase in project activity, closely followed by automotive (63%), transport (61%) and engineering (54%).
What’s especially noteworthy is that this optimism comes in spite of broader economic headwinds. Whether driven by infrastructure spending, the push towards decarbonisation, or evolving consumer demands, projects are set to grow in both complexity and quantity. And that growth brings with it the need for sharper focus on skills and delivery excellence.

More Than Just More Projects — Bigger Budgets Too
The survey also signals a parallel increase in confidence around project funding. Project professionals expect not just more projects, but better resourced ones as well. In the transport sector, 71% anticipate higher project budgets over the next five years—a figure that underscores the scale of transformation likely needed to modernise transport networks. Construction (60%), automotive (58%) and engineering (57%) also show strong confidence in future investment.

This speaks to a broader shift in how organisations view the value of project delivery—not as a transactional function, but as a strategic enabler of business goals, innovation and long-term impact.

Skills Investment at the Core
Underpinning this optimism is a shared belief in the value of people and skill development. The vast majority of respondents across all sectors report that their employers are actively investing in training and development—96% in construction, 95% in automotive, 92% in engineering and 86% in transport.
This commitment reflects a wider understanding that project success hinges on more than technical expertise. Team management, stakeholder engagement, supply chain fluency and communication skills were cited as the most critical for effective delivery.

These are not “soft” skills—they are strategic capabilities. In high-stakes projects where collaboration spans multiple disciplines and timelines stretch into decades, it is often the human factor that makes the difference between success and failure.

Laying the Foundations Early
As the profession looks ahead, it’s also turning its attention to the next generation. Robin Carter-Evans, Education Outreach Manager at APM, is leading efforts to build a pipeline of future project professionals by engaging with schools across the country.
“Many of the core skills needed in project management—planning, teamwork, adaptability—start developing in primary school,” he explains. 

“Many of these skills start to develop at primary school when children are working together. When does this need to be done by? Who needs to be involved? What do we do if something isn’t working? These are all the building blocks of project management. That’s why we’ve been engaging closely with schools across the country to help children explore these topics.

“Whist positive progress has been made in tackling the skills shortage and making the apprenticeship system more accessible, there is still more to do. That’s why it’s so important to encourage more people to think about the opportunities in the project profession from an early age."

“For big infrastructure projects that take 15 years to deliver, it will be today’s kids in primary school who will be entering the workforce helping these projects go live.”

APM is working closely with schools across the country, speaking with children and providing toolboxes and resources to integrate into their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) learning, as well as linking together the profession and students through facilitating work experience placements in the industry at secondary and university level. This ensures that young people not only learn about project management but see it as a viable and exciting career path.

Building the Future of the Profession
The optimism reflected in APM’s survey isn’t just about numbers—it’s about momentum. There is a palpable sense that the profession is entering a new chapter, one defined by opportunity, relevance and impact.
But optimism alone isn’t enough. Sustaining this positive trajectory requires continued investment in people, better access to professional pathways, and a long-term commitment to developing project capabilities across every level of the workforce.

APM continues to play a vital role in this evolution, offering Qualifications, development resources, and pathways to Chartered status that help individuals and organisations raise the bar on project delivery.

As this latest research shows, the future of the project profession is bright—but only if we continue to nurture the talent and skills that drive it forward.