Various problems have been highlighted in the construction industry over recent weeks, with a slow start to 2014 pointing towards a difficult year. However when looking at the long term, there are far more pressing matters which have followed the recent recession. Despite a slight recovery... the shortage of skills in the younger generation is certainly a cause for concern.
Some have suggested that the main concern is the dip in construction growth through the early months of 2014, however these reports have been quashed, and in some instances contradicted, with various pieces suggesting that the dip will be recounted for over the coming months, with an increased demand on the construction industry, following on from the flooding which affected vast areas of the United Kingdom.
To some, the parliamentary research which suggested that an estimated 14,000 construction apprenticeships were to commence between 2012 and 2013, is a lot. On the face of it, they are reasonable figures, however the 33% decrease from to 2009/2010, only shines a glaring light on the problems which the industry is facing.
Skills are at the basis of all construction companies, yet perceptions of the industry are proving an issue, and for some, are an explanation as to why to the number of apprenticeships is somewhat declining. Whilst many within the industry could concede that industry training needs more imagination, we beg to differ. The creative and innovative approaches which are now being undertaken through In-House Training Courses, and E-Learning, provide belief that the industry is in a transitional period. It is hoped by many that these variations on classroom courses will begin to alter opinions and perceptions of the industry, epitomised by recent research showing that 35% of teachers consider a career in construction to be somewhat unattractive.
This perception is what has helped 'the retirement time bomb' ; as some in the industry have coined it, become what it is... with many young people simply put off a career in construction based on other opinions. This needs to be changed, with the older generation in the industry heading towards retirement, fresh blood and skills need to be bought in, and the attractive prospect of interactive training, along with apprenticeships could provide the means to do so. However it'll be a tough task, with expert research from the Construction Skills Network Report suggesting that 36,400 recruits will be needed per year, for the following five years, in order to meet the straining demand.