The construction industry faces a long-running shortage of skilled workers – particularly in the east of England where demand is among the highest in the UK.
There are a host of large-scale infrastructure projects, as well as high targets for housebuilding, which will need a large, skilled workforce to make a reality.
However, despite the challenges ahead, many in the region’s construction sector say this is a time of optimism, with young people having more opportunities than ever for a successful career in the sector.
We spoke to some of those in the know about how they see the region’s battle to bridge the skills gap.
Chris Young, Head of Employment Affairs Unit at Sizewell C, said he believed the region stood at the “forefront of a once in a generation opportunity”.
”It’s a widely known fact that in the UK there are skill gaps, in construction particularly but in many other related industries.
“We are, of course, a large and major infrastructure project but we are also just one of a number of big projects in the east of England.
“It’s important we work with other projects in collaboration and complement each other, developing skills for the future.
“What we are trying to do is to make sure our opportunities are visible and accessible, not just for young people but for people in general.
“This is not just to provide a way through the front door but to provide steps on the ladder that allow people to develop their careers in construction.
“It’s exciting times for young people in the industry.
“I think this region stands at the forefront of a once in a generation opportunity.
“I can vaguely remember being a young person and the opportunities to get into construction were limited at that time.
“But apprenticeships are now much more prominent and recognised – there are so many apprenticeships out there and opportunities to enter the sector.
“It’s an area we put a lot of time and effort into at Sizewell C.
“We have our Power Up Programme for children, which is really vibrant and accessible, and our Young Sizewell C programme for 14 to 21 year olds.
“This is for young people who have completed their GCSEs or BTEC qualifications and to help provide information to help their decision making.
“We want to make sure we are providing as many opportunities as we can.”
Bethan Williams, a Partner in Ellisons Solicitors‘ Commercial Property team, said the declining workforce presented an ‘unprecedented risk’ to the industry.
“There is a skills and competency gap from planning through to construction and quality assurance, emphasising the need for a period of less volatility and an emphasis on upskilling,” she said.
“The UK needs pragmatic and at-scale intervention, with focus on competency and productivity.
“More than 25% of the construction workforce are over 50 and the construction sector is reported to have lost 20% of its workforce since 2019.
“There is an unprecedented risk emerging in relation to declining workforce size and resiliency, largely due to demographics, societal change, technological trends and regulatory requirements.”
Bethan said the Government has taken steps in the right direction, but there is much more that needs to be done.
“Government action so far sounds promising, with the introduction of Skills England, the growth and skills levy, £600 million investment into training construction workers and the Construction Skills Mission Board,” she said.
“The promised influx of new workers will sustain, but won’t allow for growth or keep up with the increase in work required to deliver 1.5m homes – we need to adopt a whole workforce approach, which must include upskilling and reskilling the existing workforce.”
Simon Girling, Director at SEH French, said construction is a brilliant career option for young people.
“We are certainly aware of the skills gap in the industry,” he said.
“Unfortunately, much of it goes back to the 70s and 80s, where construction was often seen as a sector you went into if you didn’t do well in school.
“Many still think it’s just about hammers and nails, bricks and mortar but nothing could be further from the truth.
“There are so many elements to construction, countless roles for people to take on in the sector.
“There’s something for people from every walk of life to build a successful career, no matter your ability, and those in the industry are very well rewarded for their work.
“The problem is this old legacy is still prevalent, even in schools, where there is more of a push towards academic subjects.
“People need to be aware the industry can offer so much in terms of a career.
“There are many avenues into the sector – from degrees through full-time education to formal qualifications in trade skills and apprenticeships.
“It can be difficult to get teenagers to think about a career in construction, starting off working from 7.30am to 5pm on a building site which could be more than an hour away from their home.
“Selling that over working in a warm warehouse or an air conditioned office can be difficult.
“What the industry can do is show people it offers a brilliant opportunity for young people to grow and develop as people, learn lots of transferable skills and be rewarded for your hard work.”