Report shows growing demand in skills in the construction industry
In February 2018, CITB (The Construction Industry Training Board) published a report revealing that there will be a large demand for transferable skills as recruitment will become more difficult after Brexit. https://www.citb.co.uk/news-events/uk/2018/construction-set-for-growth-despite-brexit-uncertainty/
There will be no shortage of opportunities for workers because the report estimates that 158,000 new construction jobs will be created between 2018-2022. The problem is that those new positions need to be filled with skilled workers.
[edit] Why is there a lack of skills in the industry?
The government has given house builders tougher targets as the demand for houses increase year after year, and the number of positions needed to achieve these targets is not getting filled. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors has predicted that the lack of skills could affect 27,000 construction projects every year due to the lack of staff.
More than 400,000 UK construction workers were set to retire in the 5-10 years from 2013, so it is important that the younger generation is upskilled and meeting the goals of building 300,000 new homes every year. Ref https://www.citb.co.uk/news-events/archives/uk-construction-skills-time-bomb/
The benefits of learning new skills can include:
- Better salaries.
- Investment in up-skilling or training.
- Increased job satisfaction.
- Increased motivation and confidence.
[edit] How do we encourage younger people to get into construction?
The good news is that the government are encouraging young people to take more apprenticeships by setting a target of 3 million across all sectors.
It’s good to see that more apprenticeships are being introduced in this sector but it’s important that the basic skills are taught in secondary schools as well. This should help encourage and inspire young people to get into the world of construction and enhance their skills.
The decline in skilled workers in this industry was expected, but this can be fixed if industry experts, the government and schools collaborate to try and encourage younger people to work in this sector.
Featured articles and news
CIOB signs up to Green Skills At Cop campaign
In preparation for COP29 on 11 Novermebr in Azerbaijan.
2024 ECA Industry Awards evening
Full list of electrical contractors scooping top prizes.
Briefing on the implications of the final Grenfell inquiry report
What it means for Architectural Technology professionals.
CIOB Art of Building photo contest 2024
International showcase for the very best photography of the built environment.
Celebrating architecture's eloquent champions.
Unusual perspectives on 1960s’ thinking.
AI and the challenges to intellectual property
The legal landscape of adopting AI now and in the future.
Worrying landscape for Welsh construction SMEs revealed.
In recent risk factor analysis report completed by CIOB.
Construction Sport survey highlights risks of dehydration
Supporting construction workers to avoid dangers.
Can your business afford to ignore mental well-being?
£70 - 100 billion annually in UK construction sector.
Mental health in the construction industry
World Mental Health Day 10 October.
Construction awards provide relief in wake of ISG collapse
Spike in major infrastructure awards, housing up but short of targets, are ISG collapse impacts yet to come.
Biodiversity net gain with related updates and terms
Only 0.5% of applications subject to BNG in the context significant proposed changes to planning.
As political power has shifted from blue to red
Has planning now moved from brown to green?
The role of construction in tackling the biodiversity crisis
New CIOB Nature of Building digital series available now.