Last edited 01 Nov 2024

Collaborative Futures: Competence, Capability and Capacity

UCEM Collaborative Futures- Competence, Capability and Capacity report cover 1000.jpg

Contents

[edit] Fostering a future-ready workforce through collaboration

Rapid technological advancements, net zero commitments and the need for robust safety reforms are putting new demands on the built environment sector’s human capital. UCEM’s latest report, ‘Collaborative Futures: Competence, Capability & Capacity’, takes on this issue by outlining a framework for cultivating a skilled, adaptable and resilient workforce. The report, released following UCEM’s recent INSPIRE event, brings together insights from leaders across the sector and highlights the critical importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing these challenges.

The report presents the outcomes of discussions held at UCEM’s recent ‘INSPIRE’ event, co-hosted with the Construction Industry Council, Supply Chain Sustainability School, Construction Leadership Council, Technical Apprenticeship Consortium and the Edge.

The event aimed to share innovative strategies and best practices for educating and upskilling the sector’s workforce to ensure competence, increase capacity and enhance capability.

It saw over 80 attendees from built environment organisations such as AECOM, Atkins Realis, BAM Nuttall, Building Research Executive, British Standards Institution, Build UK, CIOB, CITB, City & Guilds, Department for Business and Trade, Department for Education, Home Builders Federation, Kier, NHBC, RICS, RTPI, Valuation Office Agency and UCL, amongst many others.

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[edit] Partnership to drive change

With partnership working as its core theme, the report emphasises that no single organisation can address the sector’s challenges in isolation. Instead, the report calls for interdisciplinary collaboration, where professional bodies, government, educators and industry work together to strengthen the workforce.

This collective approach is necessary to meet growing demands for workforce professionalism, especially in light of the post-Grenfell era, where safety and competence are paramount. Nick Roberts, People & Skills Industry Sponsor for the Construction Leadership Council, echoes this sentiment in the report’s Foreword: “Competence must become a routine aspect of working life no matter the occupation level or role – regulatory, professional, technical, onsite, and off.”

[edit] Key focus areas for workforce development

The ‘Collaborative Futures…’ report has five key takeaways:

The ‘Collaborative Futures…’ report underscores the urgent need for unified action within the built environment sector. The challenges are significant, whether it’s preparing for net zero, adapting to technological advancements, or ensuring robust safety standards, but the solutions are within reach. By fostering collaboration, upskilling the workforce and creating inclusive pathways, the sector can develop the competence, capability and capacity required for long-term success.

UCEM Collaborative Futures- Competence, Capability and Capacity report cover image 1000.jpg

[edit] Download and read the report

Read the report and recommendations in full: ‘Collaborative Futures: Competence, Capability & Capacity’ report is available now.

Welcoming the report, Ashley Wheaton, UCEM’s Vice Chancellor, said “The built environment sector stands at a pivotal juncture, facing challenges that can only be overcome through unified action and interdisciplinary collaboration. UCEM is committed to leading the way in fostering partnerships that will develop a skilled, adaptable workforce ready to meet the demands of the future.”

Graham Watts OBE, Chief Executive, Construction Industry Council, said “This report underscores the vital role that cross-sector cooperation must play in overcoming the skills challenges our industry faces. As we confront new technologies, regulatory changes and the push towards net zero, we must strengthen workforce development and competence at every level. By working together, we can build a future-ready workforce capable of delivering the high standards our sector demands.”


This article appears on the UCEM news site as 'Fostering a future-ready workforce through collaboration' dated 24 October 2024.

--UCEM

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