The UK’s construction sector has been facing a growing skills shortage for some time. According to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, the shortfall in the number of skilled UK construction workers is at its highest point since 2007.
Various reasons for this are cited, including an aging population and a general desire among young people to continue studying. A lack of apprenticeships is also mentioned and some of the larger housebuilders such as Berkeley and Barratt have even launched their own training academies to create their own young recruits.
However, although Covid-19 has forced considerable change on how we all operate, changes that we have probably not fully comprehended yet, there could be a silver lining. Could more young people see the attraction in a career in construction that, in the right setting, offers opportunities and consistency?
The UK government is intent on creating 300,000 new homes a year but is a long way off hitting this. According to the NHBC, only just over 161,000 homes were registered in 2019, a 1% increase on 2018. So residential construction is unlikely to cease. Add to this the government’s interest in pursuing new construction methods such as modular construction, and there could be real opportunities for young people looking to forge a career.
Of course, construction will always have an element of inconsistency as projects start and complete. However, demand for housing is going nowhere. The UK needs skilled workers if it is to come anywhere close to hitting new homes targets, while improving existing buildings to meet environmental targets.
At Mayer Construction, we only work with the best. We work with highly skilled people, expert in their craft, sourcing whoever is best suited for each individual project. Our team is always keen to hear from people who are interested in working with us, who have a particular skill or who would like to develop themselves by working with us. Get in touch if that sounds like you.