New research shows that more than three quarters of parents believe that construction skills should be more valued by society.
Early careers platform Talentview Construction teamed with YouGov last week to speak to 2,000 parents across the UK, and their findings have revealed that that 84% of respondents believe that construction skills (such as building, plumbing, electrical and other trades) should be more valued by society.
The research was conducted as part of Talentview Construction’s wider campaign to encourage parents to talk to their children about pursuing a career in construction. The results also showed that 80% of parents believe an apprenticeship provides better (52%) or equal (28%) value for money compared to a degree.
Construction apprenticeships will play a key role in helping to close the industry skills gap. The latest figures from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimate that 224,900 extra workers will be needed to meet UK construction demand by 2027 as the industry recovers from this year’s expected recession. That equates to 44,980 new workers every year between now and 2027. The CITB also reported that in 2021/2022 there were more than 37,000 starts on construction apprenticeships, which – if these numbers stay consistent and all apprentices stay within the industry – could account for 82% of that yearly target.
New entrants into the industry – like Sam Greenfield, a construction and built environment apprentice based in Milton Keynes– are using apprenticeships to equip themselves with both the skills and experience they need for a career in construction. Sam is currently studying for a Level 4 construction and built environment apprenticeship, while working for Donaldson Timber Systems (DTS) as a trainee contractors supervisor.
“I really enjoy the on-site learning and all of the support I get from my colleagues. I love being on site, even if it’s pouring down with rain or snowing. The work that takes place is so inspiring and impressive, for instance, watching a crane lift an entire roof,” said Sam. “When I was working as an installer, I expressed an interest to DTS in adding to my skills and studying. They made it possible and have really supported me. I’m learning a lot about all areas of working in construction, such as foundations, CAD software, the technical bits and household services.”
Christian Warden, engagement director at Talentview Construction, believes that it isn’t just the responsibility of specialist colleges to promote careers in construction and that more needs to be done to showcase all the available opportunities. He said: “The skills that are acquired through doing an apprenticeship can set someone up for life. Construction touches all parts of our lives without people even realising, so we need secondary schools to do more to show students just how many opportunities construction – and apprenticeships – can present them.
“From an industry perspective, the ongoing skills shortage isn’t going to be an easy problem to solve and construction needs to work even harder to encourage people to choose this sector over others. Apprenticeships provide a practical solution to bring new talent into the industry as well as opportunities for existing staff to upskill and develop their careers at any age.”
Talentview Construction is a government-backed platform, supported by CITB industry levy-funding, that was created to provide a single place for people to find early careers opportunities in construction while helping employers to find the skills they need. Together with complementary sites like CITB’s Go Construct, Talentview Construction is helping to create a ‘one stop shop’ sector talent hub for the attraction and development of people and skills within construction and the built environment, as part of the Government’s broader support to business on skills.
Source: Show House News
