Tackling The Construction Skills Shortage
Is there a construction skills shortage in the UK?
Throughout history, construction has proven a popular career choice on a worldwide scale. As a hands-on industry with opportunities for progression and specialist fields of study, many are drawn towards the idea of working in construction. Despite this, we have seen a decline in the overall number of people looking to study construction. Leading to the belief that we are currently suffering from a construction skills shortage. This doesn’t necessarily mean people aren’t looking to join the industry, but as the construction career benefits from the opportunity to join without prior training, we are seeing less trained individuals apply. This, in itself, is having a knock-on effect in the overall quality of construction, as well as the rate in which construction projects are completed. With the diverse responsibilities this role involves, it is important that we continue to drive higher education within the construction industry.
A closer look at the construction skills shortage
Many construction professionals will happily provide an insight into the current industry standards. From research, it is evident that many contractors are struggling with various resource issues, including staffing. Yet it would be overly presumptuous to take this feedback and declare a construction skills shortage, so further investigation has taken place. Two large industry bodies have issued reports on their findings, and it is easy to see comparisons between the two.
CECA Report
Firstly, the Civil Engineering Contracts Association (CECA), released a report on November 14th 2022, discussing their findings on the impact the construction skills shortage is having. They have reported that despite an eighth consecutive quarter of growth in construction workload, many companies are struggling to find trained staff. In fact, 75% of firms have reported an issue.
With three quarters of construction firms across the UK reporting a shortage in skilled workers, it’s evident that this is a nationwide issue. Furthermore, the CECA reported that although the gap between the need for skilled workers and number of projects predicted has been evident for years. Recent studies show that the gap is growing at an alarming rate.
CSN
Next, there is the report completed by the Construction Skills network. Comprised of the CITB and Experian’s Construction Futures Team, this CSN report highlights a number of correlative results. Again, studies showed that within the UK, construction is set to face high demand for skills, and high job opportunities in addition.
In an attempt to counteract this demand, the CSN have issued a five-year industry outlook document. Within this document they present ideas and initiatives that plan to combat the construction skills shortage the UK is evidently faced with. The document states that the UK will require an additional 266,000 workers by the year 2026. Highlighting that the sectors facing the highest demand will be private housing, infrastructure and repair and maintenance.
With both these reports in mind, it is clear to see that the UK is currently facing some tough decisions regarding the future of the construction industry. With the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments all in agreement that increased construction will drive economic growth, change is necessary for success. Leading us to question, what can we do to improve the UK’s outcome on the construction skills shortage?
Which areas are most effected by the UK’s construction skills shortage?
To start figuring out the best way to combat the skills shortage, we should first look at which professions are most at risk. The word construction should be considered as an umbrella term. Within the idea of construction work there are a multitude of responsibilities, each working together towards the final goal. This is beneficial in the fight for an increase in skilled workers. As there are multiple responsibilities involved, this means that there are job opportunities available for people with varying skillsets.
The first step is to identify which roles have the highest demand. Thankfully, reports show that jobs within carpentry, digital and construction management are most prevalent. This knowledge provides us with an insight into which professions require additional training provisions. Providing this training to the masses, increases our chances in successfully training people to meet the demand of the construction skills shortage and the predicted rise in construction work.
How can we then deal with the construction skills shortage?
Now we have identified the areas displaying the need for support, we can begin to look at what we can do to help. Looking at the near future, recruitment is going to become a huge challenge for those in construction management positions. Realistically, the ideal candidates will have professional qualifications in their field. Yet, this is an area in which the UK may fall short, as the likelihood is, the resource just won’t be there. Therefore, we need to take a number of preventative measures that can help best prepare us for this increased expectation.
Retention
In addition to the CECA and CSN, Search Consultancy reported that 83% of businesses within the industry are suffering from a lack of skilled workers. To go into further detail, they then asked responders what they thought the issue may be. The most common answer among them was, unsurprisingly, a lack of qualified candidates. Yet, in addition to this, they raised the point that employee retention is also an issue. Employee retention is an important focus for any company. Time and money is invested into the hiring, onboarding and training process. If an employee then leaves to pursue work elsewhere, this will have a negative impact on the company.
An employee may leave for a number of reasons, yet, within construction there is a new trend in job resignations. It has been reported that a number of employees are migrating. Leaving smaller and quieter areas in pursuit of long-term projects in more metropolitan areas. A lot of the country’s investments go into developing already built-up towns and cities. As a construction worker, this provides job stability and potential salary increases above and beyond that of small town construction firms. Therefore, in order to keep smaller firms above water, measures to retain employees need to be explored.
Raised Awareness
Next on the list of preventative measures is to start to raise awareness of the construction industry and its importance to the economy. A construction skills shortage will heavily impact the plans the UK Government has set out to help create a successful built environment. Perhaps, if people were more aware on the impact construction will have, they may be more inclined to help.
There is a lot to be said about the effect we have had on our planet. Maybe the focus should be more on the importance of sustainability, and how this can be carried into construction. Most media related to construction is negative. Covering stories about new builds and the effect they may have is highlighting some important issues, but also not telling the whole story. Perhaps if news outlets were to share the success stories of how construction can help the planet rather than hinder it, the younger generation would see it in a new light.
Challenging the stigma
A lot can be said about a career in construction. As with all careers it has its advantages and its disadvantages, but are we advertising the career as best we could? I think it is fair to say that there has been some stigma regarding construction work in the past. Throughout history construction workers have been shown in a certain way affecting those who may have had an interest. In reality, that’s not the case. Although we still have a way to go regarding diversity in construction, we have started to make some progress.
Creating an inclusive working environment enables all employees an equal opportunity for success. Furthermore, through valuing a groups individual skills and abilities, you provide not only a better work environment, but also better performance for your company. If we are able to change the preconception of the traditional construction crew we open ourselves up to a world of new opportunities.
Construction skills training
Finally, one of the most important steps we can take to tackling a construction skills shortage, is to provide appropriate training. Construction is a career that does allow employment without prior training, yet this only covers basic responsibilities. The deeper you get into construction the more complex it can get. In order to raise the standard of applicants, we need to make sure there is the opportunity to grow. No doubt impacted by factors such as the pandemic and cost of living crisis, further education has almost taken a backseat. Understandably so as many delayed their enrolment. Alternatively, others chose a to pursue a full-time job to earn as much as possible. Retrospectively however, this may not have been the right move for everyone.
Further education can help you maximise your skillset, and in doing so increase your earning potential. Management roles can offer higher salaries in addition to increased job satisfaction. Within construction you can only reach management positions through training. Luckily, many institutes are now taking steps towards offering training at costs that won’t break the bank.
How online learning can help bridge the gap between the construction skill shortage and an increased workload
One major factor holding people back from enrolling in higher education is the cost. University fees have risen, as has the cost of living. As the UK enters a cost of living crisis the idea of investing in your education may not be at the front of your mind. Yet, it is important not to forget the opportunity to learn online. In comparison to face-to-face courses, online learning is considerably cheaper. Moreover, they are much more accessible, allowing you to enrol regardless of your location.
Courses such as contract management courses may had traditionally been delivered in a face-to-face setting. Now however, thanks to advances in technology, these courses can be delivered via distance learning. Through the promotion of such courses, the opportunity for development becomes more accessible. With increased accessibility, we should then see a rise in attendance. In the past online courses were overlooked. Yet online courses will play a key role in tackling the construction skills shortage.
Final words
Through the study of many international organisations, it is clear that construction skills shortage poses a serious risk. Not only to the longevity of individual projects, but also for the economic success of the UK. Construction representatives and advocates around the world need to step up. We need to increase the understanding that training courses in construction are becoming essential. Through advertising such training, we are playing a huge part in tackling the issue surround construction skills. If you are, or have ever thought about a career in construction, consider your potential. Further education will open doors that were once closed. It can increase your earning and job satisfaction. Finally, investment in yourself, is investment in the success of the future of UK construction We, at the College of Contract Management, are here to help you take your next step.