When I set out thinking about writing this it was because I want to help find ways to close the skills gap in the construction industry and find ways of getting more people into the industry, so that in years to come, we won't be talking as much about a lack of skills, knowledge, experience and behaviour.
One of the first roles I took up when I became a director at Steven Hunt Associates was to oversee recruitment. Since then, I've learned more about the different routes that people take into our sector. From traditional apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, the transition of skills from practical trades into technical roles, through to transitioning from studies in similar engineering degrees to becoming MEP Engineers. The fact is that we all started somewhere, we all needed somebody willing to give us a chance to start our career. I came through an apprenticeship with a national M&E contractor, and the need to give people chances to enter into work hasn't changed.
Retaining graduate talent via work experience
At MIPIM, many UK regions highlighted ambitions to retain graduates, and the Liverpool City Region echoed this strongly. However, to deliver future developments, the construction sector also needs to retain graduates from Built Environment courses. The region is well-served with universities and colleges offering trade, technical and degree-level routes, yet many full-time students struggle to find work experience or first jobs.
Small opportunities — even a day a week or short summer placements — can have a major impact, giving students real-world experience while offering employers low-risk ways to test potential talent. In Building Services, for example, LJMU’s Architectural Engineering degree produces around 30 graduates annually, yet many employers don’t know the course exists. Several strong candidates remain unemployed simply due to limited awareness and a lack of SME engagement.
The Building Services sector alone includes a wide range of roles — consultants, contractors, BIM/CAD, sustainability, building physics, specialist suppliers and more — as well as non-technical business functions. Many students from relevant courses could fill these roles, but the connection between educators and SMEs is weak.
Universities and colleges offer placements, internships, job boards and fairs, but SMEs rarely participate, with events often dominated by large companies. There is a broader gap in communication and understanding between businesses and educators. Bridging this gap likely requires collaboration between universities, industry bodies, networking organisations, chambers of commerce and local authorities.
Construction faces a well-known skills shortage. Strengthening links between education providers and employers, and increasing awareness of available routes such as apprenticeships, T Levels and placements, is essential to retaining graduates and developing future talent. Your business already works closely with providers, and you're keen to help others do the same so the industry can collectively close the skills gap and build a stronger future workforce.
