Bridging the Gap: Addressing Labour and Skills Shortages in the Construction Industry

News

21 Feb

With a background in skills development and now working in the private sector, I can genuinely empathise with the challenges we face from both sides. But here's the good news: there's a lot we can do to turn things around and build a stronger, more resilient workforce.

Let's dive into what's causing these shortages and what we, as an industry, can do to find solutions.

The Challenge

Labour shortages and skills gaps in the construction industry have been exacerbated by several factors. First, we have an aging workforce, with many experienced professionals nearing retirement. Second, there's been a decline in interest among younger generations to pursue careers in construction and finally, Brexit and other geopolitical factors have impacted the availability of migrant workers who have traditionally filled many of these roles.

But that's not all. The rapid advancement of construction technologies and the push for zero carbon have created a skills gap, with many workers lacking the training needed to operate new machinery and implement innovative building techniques. Educational institutions are struggling to keep up with these changes, leaving a gap between what's taught and what's needed in the field.

What Can We Do About It?

Here's where the fun part comes in—what we can do to bridge these gaps and build a stronger, more resilient workforce.

Collaborate with Education Institutions: We need to establish comprehensive education and training programs that equip students with the skills needed for modern construction jobs. Accepting that industry will advance quicker than academia ever can, we have to open our doors to academics so they can understand the advancements in our sector and the skills we require not just now but in the future. I believe we have a moral duty to set our young people up for the strongest start in their careers, which requires a combination of classroom learning and practical experience in real-life work environments. The good news is that there are some brilliant pockets of collaborative work already happening, as highlighted by Borders College at a recent Green Skills Assembly organised by Sustainabuild. However, we need to make these examples of collaboration the norm rather than the exception. At Timber Engineering, we've recently partnered with Dundee University to engage mechanical engineering students and with Discover Young Workforce to inspire school pupils across the region. The experiences have been incredibly positive.
Promote the Industry: Let's be real—construction isn't always seen as the most glamorous career choice. But it can be incredibly rewarding and innovative! We need to raise awareness about the diverse career opportunities in construction and showcase success stories, whether through social media, career fairs, or inspirational talks. I recently made a commitment to take part in at least one activity a month, spending time at enterprise days in schools, delivering talks to young girls considering careers in engineering, and showcasing at career fairs. The truth is, I thoroughly enjoyed each of these activities, and while I was there to educate the young people, I learned so much from them and left with a renewed sense of energy and a changed perception of their attitudes and desire to work.
Work Placements: Providing work placements can give young people invaluable real-world experience while they are studying. These opportunities allow them to apply their learning, develop practical skills, and gain confidence in their abilities. As businesses, this gives us a great opportunity to spot talent at the earliest stage. What is really important is that we ‘buddy’ them up with the correct people who can allocate time with them to really help both them and us benefit from the placement.

While I wish I could offer a list of quick fixes, I am convinced that true, lasting progress demands collaboration. To build a skilled and innovative sector for the future, we must open our doors to each other, find common ground, and chart the best path forward. Will it be easy? No. Will it take time and effort? Yes. But it can also be incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. And perhaps, in the process of teaching others, we'll find ourselves learning just as much, if not more, along the way.