Why there need to be more apprenticeships in construction
Why there need to be more apprenticeships in construction
Construction, like any other industry, has its issues. While a lack of diversity is being addressed, other hugely impactful problems remain. Where to start in fixing them is a matter of opinion. Yet, the shortage of skilled workers, especially in the face of Brexit, might be an excellent starting point. Are apprenticeships in construction the right path?
Skilled worker shortage
Britain’s shortage of skilled workers is holding back the construction industry. This issue has taken over planning and regulation as the second biggest problem facing construction. 62% have reported recruitment problems in the third quarter of last year.
This issue is not a stand-alone problem. It impacts almost all the other issues the industry faces. Projects are harder to deliver on time and on spec without the right number of skilled workers. With an ageing workforce, there is no one to take over the retiring high-level construction roles. And, with Brexit on the way, the skills shortage is only predicted to become worse.
Employers’ ability to fill skilled worker shortages from abroad may be restricted. How do we solve this problem? It’is estimated that to address the deficit in engineers, one in five young people would need to become one. This doesn’t even take into account the other sectors. The answer is technology and apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships
The UK’s obsession with university degrees is increasingly at odds with labour market demands. The focus of higher education remains on universities. There are discussions of fee abolishment and reviews of student loans in the Houses of Commons. Though there is little consideration of whether university can solve the labour market’s problems at all.
Most employers often require graduates to have around two years of work experience before they hire them. If not, they should have at least completed an internship to be considered employable. This seems like a long-winded way of getting students ready for skilled labour. With apprenticeships, they could be working and learning at the same time.
We firstly need to dispel the myth that apprenticeships are backup options for those not bright enough for university. Secondly, we need to make sure construction puts a focus on offering diverse workers the opportunity to take part in apprenticeships. After a rigorous development process, new high-quality bricklayer and plasterer apprenticeship standards have been signed off. These will give the apprentices the skills the construction industry needs. It is the first step toward closing the skill gap. But, this might not be enough.
Technology
Technology is vital in making sure construction has enough skilled workers. Technological advancements in construction can reduce the human resources needed to complete a project. It takes over mundane and time-consuming tasks, so fewer workers are required to do the same amount of work. This means the new apprenticeships can go towards filling vital skilled roles while technology fills in other, more mundane roles.
The skills gap is being addressed slowly but surely, but what will happen after Brexit is a matter of guesswork. This is all the more reason to ensure entrance into skilled construction work is as diverse as possible for the British youth.
Inscape works to make sure the construction industry has the skilled manufacturing services and advice it needs during projects. For more information about the value we add to construction teams across the UK, get in touch on 0845 230 8565.