Construction skills shortage

What makes a planner good at their job?

Of the skills that are in high demand right now, Planners are right up there with Quantity Surveyors and Estimators. They fulfil a vital role in project management, co-ordinating between various on-site teams, suppliers, and sub-contractors. It’s certainly a challenging role, perhaps that’s why there […]

Is moving jobs the best way to get a pay increase?

Today, staying in the same job for 8-10 years is an exception rather than the norm. It’s not that companies don’t want to reward loyalty. Rather, employees just don’t seem to stick around for more than a year or two. Are they moving for money […]

A younger generation for construction

A factor exacerbating the skills shortage in construction is retirement, and that the skills being lost are not being replaced fast enough. Companies and industry organizations are increasingly focusing on school leavers and graduates to try attract them to a career in construction. The challenge […]

Amid the skills crisis, who you know matters.

A recent new article reported that 82% of UK engineering and construction companies are struggling to fill vacancies. That’s an alarming statistic, especially as it’s up from 69% that was reported in the first quarter of the year. We’ve talked a lot as an industry […]

How the UK government plans to fill the skills gap in construction

A recent report estimated that more than a quarter of a million workers will be needed in construction between now and 2028. As a result, government has singled out construction as one of the sectors to benefit from skills development. It’s an ambitious plan with […]

How can you win the flight for talent in construction?

We know that most Main Contractors are struggling to find and retain the talent they need. With more jobs available than a dwindling workforce can provide, it’s not just about attracting more people into the industry, it’s about finding the right people. Expertise, experience, understanding […]

How can construction bridge the gaps in 2024?

As we start a new year it’s an opportunity to consider how to do things differently. And we need to, because some of the gaps that remain are a stumbling block for construction as an industry. It seems that whatever progress is made, it’s often […]

Attracting top talent – what does perception have to do with it?

When interviewing candidates, it’s likely you make an assessment the minute they walk in the room. How they’re dressed, how they communicate – it all influences your initial perception of them. And if you’re honest that perception will likely influence how the interview is conducted. […]

Now and into the future – How to gain more construction expertise for your company

Construction companies are feeling the skills gap acutely. While it’s been a known issue for a while, it doesn’t seem to be improving. Good candidates know that they are in demand and weigh up their options carefully. As a result, companies are having to work […]

The value of mentoring

The skills shortage has been an ongoing concern in the construction and infrastructures sectors for a number of years. There have been many suggestions on how to solve it, from encouraging more school leavers to consider the industry to actively recruiting from a more diverse […]