Learning the new tricks of the trade

 

As the discussion continues around how the construction industry can tackle its skills shortage, offsite manufacturer Fusion Building Systems is seeing an increasing interest in its light gauge steel panelised solution and the opportunities which are fast becoming a reality through its adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM). Fusion Building Systems’ Head of Business Development, Robert Clark, explains:

Robert Clark, Head of Business Development, Fusion Building Systems

Do you think the skills shortage in the construction industry is getting worse?

“Yes. It’s no secret that we’re suffering from a lack of young people coming in to the industry and, coupled with an increasing number of skilled workers leaving, we’ve found ourselves approaching a crisis. The situation isn’t being eased by Brexit either, as our previously prosperous Eastern European workforce is sadly starting to experience a less accommodating atmosphere.

“On the flip side, when you scan across the offices of the UK’s large housebuilders, you see a young, dynamic workplace which is full of enthusiasm and energy. There’s clearly investment and opportunity there – which is being driven by healthy career prospects and technology.”

What factors are restricting the industry from moving forward?

“There’s a lack of people who are able to embrace and proficiently use new construction technology. BIM will enable the industry to move forward because the opportunity for its application will attract bright, eager new talent and its capabilities will enable us all to work smarter. The challenge we face, however, is in training the existing workforce. I’ve seen experienced construction personnel trying to work with BIM software, which is fine until they hit a problem and they stop – then they go back to their old ways of working because it’s what they know and feel comfortable with. We can’t move forward, though, if we take that attitude.”

What efforts have you seen made by industry bodies and major industry players over the past 12 months to address this?

“The publication of Mark Farmer’s report, ‘Modernise or Die’ was the wake-up call the industry needed. And, as Mark continues to campaign for education, change and opportunity, organisations such as Design, Engineer, Construct (DEC) are working to get modern construction ideals taught in schools. Challenging perceptions and educating in this way, at a grass roots level, is vital if we’re to position careers in the construction industry alongside aspirational choices such as medicine or law, for example.”

Technology is transforming Fusion’s offsite solution

What opportunity do you think offsite construction presents as a solution for the future?

“It is the future. It has to be. Research has shown we can’t keep up even with current construction demands using traditional building methods. We need to employ and train a workforce which can realise the opportunity which offsite presents and knows how to use the technology which will enable it to be a success.

“Building (properly) using offsite methods requires a complete supply chain restructure, re-education and adoption of technology. We’re seeing people voting with their feet where traditional building methods are concerned. Offsite provides an alternative route into the industry and one which is completely committed to technology.”

As an offsite manufacturer, what practical steps are you taking to train the next generation?

“We believe in and use apprentices. We’re not a big company, but we currently have apprentices working in our design and estimating teams, and on our shop floor. They’re mentored, supported through day release to college, and are being given real work to do, for real clients, generating real income!

“We’re also looking into opportunities for partnering with progressive further education centres like Dudley College and with the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry. And, having recently been introduced to representatives from Design, Engineer, Construct, we’ll shortly be welcoming them to our Northampton manufacturing facility, for discussions about how we might be able to work together to achieve a shared objective.”

Do you think we’ll still be facing a skills shortage challenge in ten years’ time?

“No I don’t. The momentum we’ll see gathering for technology over the next few years will crack the situation and the industry will become one which people aspire to work in.

“Technology is the driver – the missing link is the people.”

Fusion Building Systems works with some of the UK’s largest developers on both commercial and residential projects. Adopting an integrated approach where offsite manufacturing is incorporated into the supply chain from the start, Fusion’s partnerships deliver a seamless programme which produces high quality, precision-engineered structures for numerous market sectors.

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