"I've been to loads of events focused on construction skills, workforce development and future skills planning over the last few years. No matter who is in the room and what gets discussed, I've realised that we need to fix three key issues that keep coming up".
Creating The Pipeline
We need to do a better job of making young people aware of the opportunities available in the built environment. There are fantastic careers across engineering, architecture and construction, but many young people don't know about them. My view is that professional registered bodies and industry organisations need to take ownership of this together and deliver a joined-up approach.
The Link Between Education & Industry
At a recent skills event, I was talking with two industry colleagues who didn't know about things like Apprenticeship Levy Transfers and T Level students. This highlights a wider issue. There needs to be ways to help employers understand the different routes available, whether that's apprenticeships, graduates, placements, work experience or T Levels, and make it easier for businesses to connect with emerging talent. Combined Authorities and Local Authorities could use their knowledge of construction businesses in their area to work with the educators & business to establish these formal links.
Procurement
If we want businesses to invest in apprentices, graduates and workforce growth, they need confidence that future work opportunities exist. Public sector procurement and planning has to reward organisations that invest in local communities, employ local people and create long-term economic value. They should also encourage new businesses to come into regions and offer true social value in job creation.
From the time I've spent looking into this over the past few years, I'm convinced that these are the main challenges that need real collaboration to fix. Central Government can relax taxation and make conditions easier for businesses. They can't fix better promotion of careers, stronger links between education and industry, and regional planning & procurement that rewards those who develop local talent.
