Does the UK have enough builders?
The UK construction industry is in a bit of a pickle, struggling with a shortage of skilled workers. This is making the government’s ambitious plan to build 1.5 million homes over the next 5️⃣ years look like a serious uphill battle.
So, what’s going on? An ageing workforce, fewer apprentices coming in, and Brexit cutting off a chunk of the labour supply are all playing a part.
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐭:
▶️ 𝐴𝑚𝑝 𝑈𝑝 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝𝑠
Let’s make construction training more appealing and easier to access. Shorter, practical courses that actually match the skills needed in the industry. Maybe rework the apprenticeship levy so it supports these kinds of programs better.
▶️ 𝑀𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐶𝑜𝑜𝑙
The industry could use a bit of a PR boost. Show off the exciting stuff like green building tech and high-tech tools to get #younger #generations interested. Getting #schools on board to spread the word wouldn’t hurt either.
▶️ 𝐺𝑜 𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ-𝑇𝑒𝑐ℎ
Investing in things like modular building and off-site #manufacturing could cut down the need for manual labour. It’s quicker, more efficient, and perfect for times like these when #workers are in short supply.
▶️ 𝑂𝑝𝑒𝑛 𝑈𝑝 𝐼𝑚𝑚𝑖𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑂𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
How about a special visa for skilled workers in #construction? This could be a quick fix while we build up the #domestic #workforce with #training programs.
▶️ 𝐾𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝐻𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦
If people are leaving the industry, let’s figure out why. Better pay, jobsecurity, and clear paths for growth could go a long way. Plus, improving working conditions might just make construction a more appealing career choice overall.
All of this will take teamwork betwaeen the government, industry leaders, and educators, but if we get it right, we’ll be on the path to meeting those housing goals while boosting the industry as a whole.
Sources:
https://www.ft.com/content/ca441a61-6feb-4d94-970a-b83b75b8dcd0
https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/government/falling-construction-output-contributes-to-shrinking-gdp-13-12-2024/
https://www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk/news/construction-leadership-council-has-issued-a-letter-to-skills-england/
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