CITB report explores new technology and urges industry to ‘think digital’

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has authored a brand new report exploring the potential of digital technology and the skills required to make that potential a reality.

In ‘Unlocking construction’s digital future: A skills plan for industry‘, CITB considers how 21st century technologies such as 3D printing and drones could boost productivity, improve efficiency and attract more skilled workers.

But the training board has also urged caution. Without widespread digital uptake, the construction industry risks being marginalised as the next generation of talent migrates to other, more modernised sectors. And so, the industry needs nothing less than a change in culture. New ways of working need to be driven from the top down, and businesses both large and small must ‘think digital’ in all things.

In response, CITB has pledged a programme of support which includes targeted funding to help the industry acquire the skills necessary to digitise construction. Key research findings include:

1. The digital technology currently used in construction is not cutting-edge;
2. Better use of data is critical to the industry’s digital transformation;
3. Across the board, from new entrants to CEOs, specialised training is less important than broader ‘soft skills’;
4. Unsurprisingly, the construction industry lacks a shared vision of what digitalisation looks like.

The report also contains a number of best practice case studies from such organisations as Tideway, Highways England and Dudley College of Technology.

“There is no question that construction needs to upskill and recruit new talent to harness the huge opportunities digital technologies present. It’s not too late, but it won’t happen without rapid action,” said Steve Radley, Director of Policy at CITB.

“Our report shows that the lack of common understanding on what digital construction actually means is part of the problem. Industry has to be clear on its definition and what skills employees will need. Sharing best practice will be critical. We will work with industry to agree on digital skills goals and a plan of action to achieve them. If we can do that, British construction can become more productive, more profitable, and more attractive to the talented workers it needs.”

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