The construction industry risks standing still unless it addresses major barriers to development and growth, such as the lack of skilled workers, according to a new survey of 55 sector leaders.
The Future of Construction initiative, which is run by framework provider Pagabo and parent company The 55 Group, found 92% of firms are currently struggling to recruit the right talent and 93%. of construction industry leaders support the idea of a data-sharing platform designed to collaborate, innovate and up-skill together.
In the ‘Collaboration Transformation’ white paper outlining the survey’s findings, the initiative said “little to nothing of actionable difference is being done to attract and retain the best talent and make training truly fit-for-purpose” and without future collaboration the sector faces a “serious decline and stagnation”.
Gerard Toplass, group CEO at The 55 Group, said: “Structural changes in the labour market from factors like Brexit, Covid, and the changing motivations of workers are all making recruitment tough, but for 92% of firms within the construction industry reporting this poses a real risk to the sector at large.
“Construction is suffering similar problems to other sectors, but those other industries are better focused on training and realise the importance of improved education and practical training. And most importantly, other industries are making sure their training keeps pace with innovation.
“Meanwhile, we believe that construction is heading towards a cliff edge – especially when it comes to adapting the approach to skills and training. A large proportion of workers are within ten years of retirement age, so what is going to happen if we don’t backfill these roles? And what happens if we don’t successfully plug the skills gap?
“The simple answer is that the industry will grind to a halt. It is crucial that we work to change the approach to training to ensure we attract both the people needed to tackle modern issues – and deliver the key skills in a better way – to make sure this does not happen.”
Toplass added that qualifications need to be “shorter, punchier and aligned to the changing needs of the sector”.
Lord Bob Kerslake, group strategic adviser to The 55 Group and former head of the civil service, added: “The skills gap issue threatens to be a major barrier on delivery in construction and is a major barrier to growth. As an industry, we must understand what we can do together to tackle these major challenges.
“We are at a pivotal moment – and we urgently need to address the need for cross-industry data sharing and a combined approach to the skills gap, both of which present the biggest challenges to development and growth. This white paper gives a very valuable contribution to the debate, and I hope that people within the industry consider it – as well as the relevant people in government.”
Charley Wainwright, head of innovation at Pagabo who carried out the one-to-one surveys with industry leaders, said: “This survey and white paper have been illuminating – and certainly not all doom and gloom. There is a clear pride that comes through regarding what the UK’s construction industry has and is capable of achieving, along with a clear determination to steer us away from the metaphorical cliff edge. The time is here to seize the opportunity before us and start effecting real and long-lasting change.”
