The skill shortage in the construction industry

New opportunities amid the construction skill shortage

The growing skill shortage in the construction industry is becoming a glaring problem for the sector. Demand for construction work is increasing but there is a shortage of workers that are ready and qualified to tackle the tasks. The CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) has stated that by 2025, the industry will need to recruit an additional 217,000 new workers just to meet this growing demand. 

Where are these workers going to come from and what can the industry do to entice new recruits? In this blog, we take a look at the skill shortage in the construction industry and the new opportunities for young people.

Why is there a construction skill shortage?

The construction industry is one of the strongest supporters of the UK economy. So, with that in mind, why is there a skill shortage? Why is it that young people are declining to enter the industry? This could be for many reasons.

  • Working in the industry is viewed as extremely physically demanding
  • The industry is heavily dominated by older workers
  • Little education on construction is taught across schools and colleges to incentivise younger people to choose this career path
  • It is seen as a male-dominated industry
  • The presumption that construction just means hard hats – there are opportunities within architecture and civil engineering

How to tackle the construction skill shortage

Looking at why there is a skill shortage in the construction industry is the first place to start. We need to provide education on why people are so disinclined to join the industry and how we’re going to tackle this.

Education 

Where is the next generation of construction workers? We need to educate young people on the construction industry and have information available throughout schools, colleges and universities. The older generation needs to work hard to get the message across to younger people that construction work is valuable work.

Equal opportunities in the construction industry

The construction industry needs to continue to create opportunities for women. Women make up only 11% of the construction workforce. It’s important to hire a diverse team and show the younger generations that there are equal opportunities in the industry for both genders.

Look after those currently working in the industry

Taking care of your existing workforce is key to keeping people in the industry. If those currently working in the construction industry feel valued, they are more likely to speak of their positive experiences and encourage others to join. Continue to ask your workers for feedback, listen to their concerns and address any issues within your company promptly.

Training, development and job security

In 15-20 years’ time, current workers will be looking to retire. We need to start addressing the skill shortage in construction.

The industry must work hard to show that construction work is renowned for its training, development and job security. Motivating the younger generation to take up a career in the industry isn’t just about showing them the future of construction. It’s about showing them their future in construction. The industry offers excellent training opportunities, career development and job security. 

The Emerson Training Centre

The Emerson Training Centre is reopening in 2023 for new learners as we move to a brand new site. We’re proud to be able to provide professional courses that teach the safety, procedures and risks of operating a crane. All of our courses are engaging and worthwhile, offering you a thorough understanding of how to operate a crane safely.

On top of this, we also supply other construction courses such as the CPCS Appointed Person Course and the CPCS Slinger Signaller Course. The truth is, no matter where your interests lie within the construction industry, we’re here to provide you with the opportunity to learn and gain experience.

We are extremely proud of the opportunities we give to trainees in the construction industry. Whatever you would like to learn within the industry, we will support you.

To learn more about all of our construction courses, please click here.

Choose Emerson Cranes

Here at Emerson Cranes, we are passionate about creating opportunities within the construction industry. Our expert team understand the skill shortage and want to show the younger generation that construction is a valuable industry to be a part of. 

To learn more about The Emerson Training Centre and the opportunities we provide young people in construction, get in touch today. Call us on 0208 548 3900 to speak to a member of our friendly team. We look forward to hearing from you

T: +44 (0)20 8548 3900