Shift from Macro to Micro to impact Skills Shortage

In our second article to mark #NAW2016, Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive of the Structural Timber Association (STA), discusses the chronic skills shortage, arguing that a shift in strategy and image within the UK construction sector is integral to solving the issue.

Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive, STA

Recent statistics for the UK construction industry revealed that growth has hit a nine month low. Most industry insiders have put the disappointing figures down to the continuing skills shortage, with one business analyst describing the labour shortfall as ‘suffocating’ expected growth. 

The current skills shortage that is blighting the construction sector has not occurred in a vacuum. It is a product of our environment and thus inextricably linked to the industry’s long held poor image. The government report, Construction 2025, described how the construction industry’s poor image amongst young people was having ‘a detrimental effect on companies’ abilities to recruit and retain the best talent’. To arrest this problem, a two-pronged approach of increased professionalism and community outreach is required.

Among the main barriers to young people considering a profession within the sphere of construction are the industry’s poor safety record and our less than mild climate. Five days a week spent in the outdoors, exposed to the cold, wind and rain is just not that appealing to some. However, offsite construction offers prospective employees a professional and comfortable working environment. For example, structural timber is manufactured offsite in a controlled and precise manner using the latest industry innovations and technology such as breathable membranes with thermal, acoustic, and fire protection inbuilt into the timber’s design.

A factory-based environment ensures safer working conditions for employees. As one of the UK’s largest employers, the construction industry has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its workers. Offsite construction doesn’t carry the same height risks as construction carried out onsite. Using offsite construction methods, strong winds, heavy rain and below freezing conditions has no effect on workers, leading to safer, better quality, more efficient and quicker production. A more professional setting, away from the elements, will help convince prospective apprentices and graduates that their skills are best served within the construction industry.

Additionally, a growth in offsite construction, such as timber frame, would negate some of the supply and labour deficits currently afflicting the industry. Timber is a readily available material that can easily meet industry requirements. Supplies of brick and block routinely suffer shortages and when a material is in short supply, a premium is placed on its price. There is also an alarming shortfall in the numbers of skilled bricklayers within the UK construction sector, with a recent Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) survey revealing 60% of respondents have difficulty in finding bricklayers for projects. Skills and supply shortages increase the financial burden on construction projects and create unwelcome and unnecessary delays.

As well as expanding offsite construction, another method to bolster the reputation of the construction industry is to connect with the local community, with a specific focus on school goers. The STA believes that to impact macro issues such as skills shortages, the sector needs to affect the micro, and grass roots action is integral to this.

As such, the STA is sponsoring an upcoming Construction Excellence South West (CESW) production of Mel Brooks’ The Producers in Somerset, with funds raised going towards the ‘Adopt a School’ campaign. The shows will take place at the Merlin Theatre in Frome, Somerset from 14th – 19th March with tickets priced at £15.50 for adults and £10 for children.  

The ‘Adopt a School’ campaign aims to instil in young people a passion and understanding of the sector. To encourage the growth of relationships between local construction companies and schools, the initiative is setting up a ‘buddy up’ scheme whereby schools and construction related organisations link up throughout the South West to improve the image of construction and promote it as a positive career choice.

The benefits to be gained from positive association from campaigns such as ‘Adopt a School’ are inestimable. The STA hopes is that it encourages other organisations within the construction sector to participate in like-minded initiatives to raise the aspirations of young people and shape the future of the industry.

The construction sector needs to be more pro-active in tackling the skills shortage. It cannot stand idle and wait for higher authorities, such as the Government, to rectify the situation. To break down negative perceptions of the construction industry that will trigger growth and allay future skills shortages, construction companies must strive for ever-increasing professionalism and better relationships in the local community where they operate.

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